Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 9-2-16 Online Edition

Local
Community Radio Station Closer To Going On The Air
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
For the past three years, Dee Jackson and Horace Bailey have been working hard to get their project up and running.
WURK Radio, 96.3FM, represents the efforts of Jackson and Bailey to cre- ate an entertainment venue that is completely owned and operated by the community.
“WURK Radio’s license is owned by the Rainbow Heights Neighborhood Asso- ciation, a not-for-profit or- ganization,” said Bailey.
“The concepts and visions of that group is reflected in our mission to create oppor- tunities for our youth, and give their families the infor- mation they need to be self- sustaining.”
Jackson and Bailey are now dealing with the Federal Communication Commission on licensing and the location of the station’s antenna.
“The actual studio will be at 2110 West Main Street in West Tampa,” said Jackson.
DEE JACKSON
“Our business plan is com- plete and DJ Pun will be our on-air personality.”
Jackson and Bailey said all that’s missing is the fund- ing they need to put the final pieces together, and get on the air.
“This is a great opportu- nity for the young people who’ve never done radio broadcasting before.
“Being a community-based station, we plan to create an atmosphere that will draw young people in who are will- ing to make a difference in their community.”
Bailey said they have a
youth radio initiative as a part of their effort to prepare the next generation for radio broadcasting and journalism.
“We have until April 2017 to get everything done and get on the air. I have no doubt we’ll be on long before that date, but it will take a commitment from a lot of people.
“We have a website anyone can visit to learn more about our mission, our vision, and our commitment. You can also call (813) 856-9489 if youwanttobeapartofour team.”
HORACE BAILEY
Auditions Planned For Tampa’s Talent Showcase
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For the second time, a local entrepreneur plans to focus on the wealth of talent in the area. He will host audi- tions for the Tampa’s Star Showcase 2017 on Saturday, September 24th.
The auditions will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 North Nebraska Avenue. Those interested in participating in the event must register no later than Friday, September 16th.
Franklin Hills said, “Every great city has its own platform for up and coming talent. New York has the “Apollo,” Atlanta has the “Fox,” and now Tampa has the “Centro,” Hills said.
The showcase will be pre- sented as a four-segment va- riety event. It will serve as a platform to the prospective entertainers, creating expo- sure and opportunities to the up-and-coming future artists. Participants will also have an opportunity to win promo- tional prizes valued at $2,000.
The event is being pre- sented by Operation Hope of Tampa Bay, a not-for-profit organization. Members of Operation Hope will serve as mentors for the underserved youth who take part in the showcase. He stated that the event is designated family- friendly and a panel of judges will determine the winners in each category.
Hills brings a wealth of experience to the table as a
FRANKLIN HILLS ... Founder of Tampa’s Star Showcase
performer. He has partici- pated in talent competitions, performed as a soloist and performed with a local group throughout the Tampa Bay Area. He also served as the manager of a local group.
He has also worked be- hind the scenes in the music industry and served as one of the advisors to Daryl Un- derwood of Underwood Records.
A Tampa native, Hills at- tended the University of South Florida, where he re- ceived several degrees. A Masters of Arts Degree in Theology and a Masters of Education degree in Educa- tional Leadership were among the degrees he earned at the University of South Florida.
Hills is currently a suc- cessful real estate investor and businessman.
For additional informa- tion or to register as a con- testant, contact Hills at (813) 693-1772; or visit www.Tam- paStarShowcase.com.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A