Former WPVM host wraps up crowdfunding campaign for new online station Fuzzy Bunny Radio

In the wake of heated controversy at WPVM FM 103.7, former host and founding member of Friends of WPVM Chris Lawing is starting a new venture.

Fuzzy Bunny Radio — named after his “Fuzzy Bunny Cuddle Time Hour” radio show, which will become the new online station’s flagship program — will “offer unique content to our local community and the world,” according to the radio station’s website.

Lawing hopes to launch before 2016, but before that, his team needs to secure ample financial support. With a steadily approaching funding deadline (Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 a.m., to be exact), Fuzzy Bunny’s crowdfunding campaign has garnered more than $1,100 in contributions — about half of the ultimate $2,500 goal. Lawing plans to use the funds to pay licensing fees, equipment, promotional materials, server fees and other expenses to mobilize the undertaking.

Xpress corresponded with Lawing to learn more about the project.

Mountain Xpress: What will independence offer?

Lawing: Being a truly independent internet radio station means that Fuzzy Bunny Radio can set its own tone for the culture of the station and our programming. We have a vision for what niche Internet radio for small communities can be and this our chance to share it and make it a reality.

Independence is about the freedom to express ourselves and the flexibility to operate as a community and according to our own ideals.

Who will contribute to the project, on air and otherwise?

This is a shoe-string operation. We want to keep it simple and fun.

Hosts Dirk Flytrap and the Doctor will host the flagship Fuzzy Bunny Cuddle Time Hour. We also have a number very talented local folks planning new shows.

We’re grateful for technical support from Edward Rushman and Blue Dozen Designs, as well as marketing advice from Image 420. We’re also humbled by the response of our listeners to a recent Indiegogo fundraising campaign. They’ve come forward with over $1,100 in start up funds. This will go a long way toward buying the equipment needed and paying our licensing fees.

How will this station stand out from existing radio programming?

Fuzzy Bunny Radio, being an internet-only station, will stand out because of the lack of restrictions placed on its producers. Since internet media is free of the FCC regulations placed on terrestrial broadcasters, we can offer a wider range of music and media without censorship. We are going to occupy that freedom, and it will stand out to our listeners.

A fun aspect of our show has the real-time social media interaction. I hope that dynamic continues and expands to new shows.

What music, talk shows or other entertainment do you have planned?

The upcoming music shows will include blues, punk, jazz and heavy metal. Plus, we will be kicking off a new talk show devoted to local sounds and the local music scene. Music rotations during unprogrammed hours will be carefully curated, so our fans can count on a good experience whenever they tune in.

Visit fuzzybunnyradio.com for information and updates on the project, and visit  indiegogo.com/projects/fuzzy-bunny-radio#/ to view the station’s crowdfunding campaign.