Radio Free Maynard

My latest “Mass. Media” column in CommonWealth Magazine focuses on WAVM Radio, a true community resource that was nearly driven off the air last year.

Based at Maynard High School and run almost entirely by students, the station almost went under when its license was preliminarily awarded to a religious broadcaster that had filed a challenge with the Federal Communications Commission. To make matters worse, the station’s longtime faculty adviser was arrested and charged with sexually abusing several of his former students. But parents and students pulled together and saved their station.

Pending final approval by the FCC, it looks like WAVM is here to stay — and with a stronger signal, thanks to its unique partnership with WUMB Radio of UMass Boston.