Paulding, OH: Sheriff Jason Landers introduced guest speaker Joe Barker, owner, founder and “radio personality” of MY 102.7, Paulding County’s own radio station. Joe is a fifth-generation farmer, and his family started farming in 1854. His passion really lies in farming, but as his dad once told him, “Do you want to be a part of this community or just drive through it to the next field?” That drove Joe to get involved and at a young age was stepping into leadership roles where he could.
There is little control over local radio. Although it may seem local, the checks are usually made out to a bigger company in another state when advertising. Joe thought, why not start a local radio station that can benefit our community and keep those advertising dollars in the county? So he did! Three years after applying through the FCC for a non-profit radio license MY 102.7 was on air, well kind of. Joe, in the field at the time was told to tune into the radio and hear his own station playing. “Our focus from day one has been encouraging Paulding County folks to support local business and invest themselves in our organization.” Later he went out with a microphone and recorded about 200 people saying “This is (insert person’s name here) and you’re listening to WMWY, LP Paulding County MY 102.7.” As people started listening and hearing familiar voices, they wanted to get in on all the action too, and soon there were over 200 different people with their voice on the radio. Slowly Joe started slipping out the free bits for advertised ones. As a non-profit radio station sponsors of MY 102.7 are important pieces of the station, and the community’s success. Funds from the sponsors are used to promote county events, important dates, etc. “Our local sponsors have made our dream of a locally owned radio station possible. Their financial support has allowed MY 102.7 to promote 51 different Paulding County organizations and events for free in the last year.” MY 102.7 gives 4, $500 scholarships annually to each high school in the county, including a Paulding County senior attending Vantage. Not only do they give back by being involved in the community, helping other organizations and non-profits, encouraging people to keep their money locally spent, but also help the leaders of tomorrow succeed. Paulding County is lucky to have an organization like MY 102.7. Thank you to Joe, the station crew, and sponsors for running a successful station.
