The Latino Public Radio Consortium and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters are joining the Austin, Texas-based Artists for Media Diversity (A4MD) to premiere a virtual online album, “Artists for Vieques.” The fundraiser will support construction of WVQR-FM, which will be the only public radio station on the small Puerto Rican island. The U.S. Navy used Vieques as a bombing range and testing ground until protests forced it from the island in 2003.
Artists including the popular Puerto Rican band Calle 13, Willie Nelson and Los Lonely Boys donated songs for exclusive use. Funds generated by sales will go toward building and launching Radio Vieques before its June 30, 2013, FCC deadline.
“WVQR will provide cultural-educational programming related to the continuing struggles in Puerto Rico’s north-eastern region for decontamination and the return of the lands occupied for half a century by the U.S. Navy, as well as addressing the health issues of the Vieques community and the sustainable development of the island,” Artists for Media Diversity said in the announcement.
Songs will be available starting today at the A4MD website.