The information below was provided by Liz Humes at WRIR:

WRIR Celebrates it’s Fifth Anniversary and throws, “Party for the Rest of Us.”

On January 1, 2010 WRIR celebrated its fifth anniversary. For most of the listeners and station volunteers, the day didn’t seem unusual. It didn’t sound different. But it was.

When it launched in 2005, WRIR was one of the first low-power FM radio stations in the United States. Five years ago, the LPFM signal itself was relatively new and seen primarily as a “test frequency” established by the FCC to give local communities easier access to the broadcast airwaves. Though not as powerful as corporately-owned commercial stations, the improved signal was strong enough to transform Richmond independent radio from an underground upstart into a flagship station for the national LPFM movement.

Most impressive is that WRIR launched without financial or technical support from corporations and government agencies. Its creation was the result of a combined effort of passionate and dedicated volunteers who came together to form a community. Today, the WRIR community consists of hundreds of volunteers who work around the clock to give back to the Richmond community.

Together they help deliver a diverse schedule of music, news and originally-produced programming. WRIR remains the only LPFM in the country to air National Public Radio programs. And for the past three years, the station has operated as the City of Richmond’s official emergency broadcast station.

Partially due to the example set by WRIR, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill which will expand non-commercial, Low Power FM radio to towns and cities across the country. The next step is for the Senate to pass (S.592). And while it’s remarkable that the pioneering efforts of WRIR have been nationally-recognized, those involved in the station are perhaps proudest of their impact locally.

The City of Richmond has embraced WRIR and supported it passionately by listening, donating and becoming involved. As the station looks forward to 2010, it has become clear that the WRIR family has grown larger than the small army of volunteers who come through the doors of 1621 West Broad Street. Five years later, the WRIR family includes everyone within earshot of the signal.

All of which seems like the perfect excuse to throw a party.

On February 5, 2010, WRIR celebrates its fifth anniversary with a “Party for the Rest of Us” starting at 7 p.m. in the Renaissance Conference Center, 107 West Broad Street.

Mike Rutz, WRIR board member and events manager has scheduled local bands Heks Orkest, The Hotdamns, Amazing Ghost and Long Arms to perform live. WRIR DJs will be spinning music in a second room. There will be food, cake and drink and, as always, the party will be open to everyone in the community.

More information about the 5th Anniversary Celebration — or WRIR – can be obtained by calling the studio and asking for Mike Rutz, 804-649-9737.

Thank you for tuning in.