The Star Com Radio Network says good-bye to 2014

COWLINGTON, Okla. - Dec. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- As 2014 draws to a close, reflection is key to looking into the future, so says Jan Starks, CEO of Star Com Media. "2014 gave us many firsts, but went totally unacknowledged by the broadcast industry.

In April, we extensively covered the bomb threats at both the Carl Albert Community College in Sallisaw and those at the Poteau schools. Mainstream media made a slight mention, but soon went on to other things. We not only stayed with the stories but also gave our listeners globally a look inside small town America. We showed that we were no different than cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago or New York. We all are bonded together, but how we serve our communities varied immensely.

In May, one of our reporters, Brenton Lengel, was the only journalist who was allowed to get inside Rikkers Island and get a video interview with Cecily McMillian, who made claim that she was assaulted by the NYPD during a Occupy rally. We even took this interview to mainstream sources like Democracy Now, CBS, CNN and others, only to be refused. Yet shortly after her release, Democracy Now claimed they had an exclusive with her. A total falsehood if I ever heard one.

Finally, just a couple of months ago Ed Tyll was able to be part of the press conference in Florida when Bill Cosby performed there. Though no one was able to ask questions, it was indeed a first for us."

Asked why he refers to these as important milestones, he replied, "Simple, we are not mainstream media, but rather small community part 15 radio stations across the country. What we were able to prove is that we have the ability to compete with the multi-million dollar operations and yet hold ourselves to a much higher level of journalistic integrity.

We serve one community at a time, we stay local yet offer national and international news. We do so without the extremely high overhead nor do we have to contend with corporate sponsors attempting to censor what we do or say. We focus on issues and news that concerns our listeners, be it the street light that is being proposed by a city council, new legislation in the state capitol that affects everyone on the local level, yet we also cover the news that has national attention and cover it in a way mainstream won't. We go back to the very roots of true journalism, ask the hard questions and swallow the bitter pill if necessary.

For all of us associated with the Star Com Radio Network, these are indeed milestones."

Asked why such accomplishments are not recognized in the broadcast industry, Mr. Starks' demeanor quickly changed. "Simply because the likes of the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) refuse to accept the fact that these stations serve a vital purpose to their communities. These are not simply a hobby as they contend. I have proven that we are just as important as they are, yet our primary focus is on small town America. We therefore can refine what we do to not only enhance the quality of programming we offer, but become easily accessible to the small business, the mom and pop stores that don't have the budgets to get airtime on Clear Channel, ViaCom and others. We bridge a chasm left by these mega-corporations who have turned to their bottom line and not to the bottom line of small business America."

Asked how he maintains such a group of stations, his reply was "We depend on our listeners for donations, Our listener base is growing and we take pride in that, but like any business we have expenses such as equipment repairs, power and lights and the list goes on. So each year we have our annual fund raising event in an effort to reach a certain goal. We don't ask for millions, but rather a small part of our actual budget, the remainder I pay for out of my own pocket because I believe in what I am doing. If I didn't, then I would be no different than mainstream. I invest and work hard because I am a firm believer that in the months and possibly years ahead, part 15 stations will be recognized for what they truly are... broadcasters."

A passion unequal, a goal attainable, a mission worth fighting for. As to 2015, Mr. Starks is hoping to bring his listeners many more firsts that mainstream won't. You can help him achieve his goals by making a donation today. Simply go to https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/0uX4f and make a donation.