Strategic Music Partnerships has officially launched WEMA 94.3 LP FM, branded as “The Community Soundtrack.” Broadcasting from Fort Washington, Maryland, WEMA represents a fresh, local voice at a time when many communities across the country are losing theirs.
WEMA is kicking things off with a major partnership, simulcasting the legendary WWOZ broadcast of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell plc. For listeners, that means an immersive experience of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals—right from their homes, cars, or phones.
Broadcast Schedule:
- April 23–26 and April 30–May 3
- 12 PM – 8 PM ET
You can listen live online or via the station’s app (Apple users can download now, with Android coming soon)
WEMA is powered by Strategic Music Partnerships, a nonprofit that has spent the past 15 years investing in people through music education and industry training. Their work has focused on teaching the foundations of the music business while staying deeply connected to the community they serve.
This station is a natural extension of that mission. At the center of it all is Henry Harris, a pioneer in internet radio and a longtime telecommunications professional. He leads as CEO of Strategic Music Partnerships and also founded the Excellence in Music Academy. With a master’s degree in Music Business from Berklee College of Music, Harris brings both industry expertise and a clear passion for community impact.
Across the U.S., traditional media is shrinking. Local newspapers are disappearing. Radio stations are consolidating. And in many places, the stories that reflect real communities are getting harder to find. That’s what makes WEMA’s launch so important.
It’s part of a growing resurgence in community media—spaces where local voices, culture, and information aren’t just included, but centered. WEMA steps into that gap with the goal of restoring something essential: storytelling that reflects the people it serves.
By pairing its debut with WWOZ’s globally respected Jazz Festival broadcast, WEMA is setting the tone early—this is a station committed to quality, culture, and meaningful partnerships. But just as important, it’s committed to its community.
WEMA 94.3 LP FM isn’t just another signal on the dial. It’s a platform for connection, creativity, and representation. It’s where local stories can live alongside world-class music. And it’s a reminder that even in a changing media landscape, community voices still matter—maybe now more than ever.
