July 12, 2016
wfmuthemovie.com/for PhillyVoice
DJ/general manager Ken Freedman frequently uses stunts to keep the WFMU afloat.
Listeners of WFMU always say one thing: There’s nothing else like it on the radio. Based in Jersey City, the free-form radio station is known for shows that bend to the whims of whoever’s on the air at that particular moment. There are comedy shows (like “The Goddamn Dave Hill Show”), experimental music shows (I’m partial to the work of lo-fi aficionado DJ Brian Turner) and lots of straight-up feel-good rock ’n’ roll (see the works of DJs Liz Berg and Therese).
If WFMU has a flagship program, it’s the long-running “Seven Second Delay,” a weekly hour of sloppy/funny stunts and banter with weird callers hosted by TV veteran Andy Breckman and station manager Ken Freedman.
Freedman’s battles to keep the station going, via listener support, not advertising, are explored in a new documentary, “Sex and Broadcasting: A Film About WFMU.” Expect stories from the station's history and interviews with its motley crew of DJs — including Tom Scharpling of “The Best Show,” who eventually left WFMU to strike out on his own. Not sure how much sex made the film, but talking heads include Simpsons creator Matt Groening, comedian Patton Oswalt, Lee Ranaldo (of Sonic Youth) and Adam Horovitz (of the Beastie Boys).
Wednesday, July 20
7 p.m. / $7-$9
International House
3701 Chestnut St.
