san antonio – Not a traditional radio station. Based in San Antonio, his WSAN is not on any of the dials on his radio.
Instead, it’s only available online and through an app, which you can access from any computer or mobile phone.
The station, owned by San Antonio resident Ronald Gordon, is also located in a non-traditional setting.
It is now housed in the Williams National Museum of History, a former church on Montana Street on the city’s East Side.
“For me, being inside a black museum dedicated to San Antonio is history,” Gordon said one recent day, marveling at her surroundings.
Like many of the people pictured on the museum’s walls – from civil rights leaders to city councilors, actors to athletes – Gordon had the courage to forge his own path.
In a field dominated by media conglomerates, he founded his startup 10 years ago with a computer, a mixerboard, and a microphone.
Radio was a natural fit, he says, given his upbringing in Illinois decades ago.
“My dad always had music on, so we called it ‘clean-up music,'” Gordon said. “That was Motown. When you heard that Motown sound, you had to stand up. And we cleaned up.”
Gordon shares his passion with the public 24/7.
But this station is more than just a music outlet. It also provides motivation and messages for the African American community.
Gordon said he often interviews local movers and shakers, business owners and politicians.
But he also invites the public to share their stories.
Speaking wasn’t always easy for Gordon. He said that when he was a child, he suffered from a stuttering problem.
“I mean, I was embarrassed to talk about it. I got beaten up. I was bullied. That’s all I was,” he said with a laugh.
However, Gordon discovered magic when he turned on the microphone and his stutter disappeared.
He eventually started working as a DJ at parties in his spare time. He also worked several times at regular radio stations throughout Texas.
He said his station was originally a hobby he did in his off-time while overseeing a series of laundromats locally and in Corpus Christi.
Now retired, Gordon can focus on this full-time.
Mr. Gordon also invested his own money. The station is completely self-funded, but said it plans to seek advertisers in the near future.
He also began giving others the opportunity to participate in the production.
Sharon Bel Moses has volunteered to host the station’s entertainment segment for the past two years.
“We have so much fun,” she said. “(Gordon) is a big brother. I have a lot of respect for Ron. He gives so much to the community.”
Gordon said the station’s community has grown significantly, starting with about 50 listeners and now reaching nearly 40,000.
“I feel blessed to be able to wake up in the morning and do what I love,” Gordon said.
To listen to WSAN, download the app or click here to visit the website.
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