In an effort to increase public and private support for select independent movies, New York City radio station WBAI 99.5 has partnered with The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative program. The station, which funds the arts, will broadcast segments during which host Lelani Clark will discuss Spotlight Initiative films with special featured guest Robin Bronk, the CEO of The Creative Coalition. The segments will also feature interviews with influential independent film directors and actors.

WBAI will also promote premieres, screenings and other film events sponsored through Spotlight Initiative. WBAI is supporting the program because the station’s “history is steeped in supporting the creative arts. We are delighted to support The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative to bring the power and presence of our audience…to support the craft of independent film making,” WBAI General Manager Berthold Reimers said.

The first Spotlight Initiative segment will debut on June 29, 2011. It will air thereafter every first Wednesday of the month at 2 pm during WBAI’s monthly broadcast, “Reelworld.” The segments will also air on stream.wbai.org.

WBAI Program Director Tony Bates said the segment “is what WBAI is all about. We pride ourselves in bringing quality arts and entertainment programs that are socially relevant to our listeners.” He added that the program will also attract a younger, more diverse audience.

Written by: Karen Benardello