Photo by Jay Paul
Roben Farzad
Two years ago, Roben Farzad moved to Rich-mond, where his wife grew up, after spending nearly a decade covering Wall Street for Bloomberg Businessweek. For a while, it seemed like he might have to commute to D.C. for work, but then he had a better idea.
A radio show about finance — especially with appeal to non-economists — could work in Richmond. Hence Full Disclosure, which launched in May.
“You have all the raw ingredients here,” Farzad says, noting Richmond’s college radio stations, as well as Fortune 500 businesses. Today, it’s easier to get a foothold in radio by creating a podcast, and if it’s good, attracting listeners and sponsors. Farzad has already found support from VCU and the Martin Agency, where the show is recorded.
He’s aiming to create a “Fresh Air for finance,” booking compelling and unusual guests. So far, Farzad has hosted Matt Paxton of Hoarders and Richmond Tea Party organizers, among others. He hopes the Foo Fighters will come on to discuss the grassroots concert model that Richmond fans created, raising money to bring the band here.
You can hear Full Disclosure on WRIR-LP 97.3 FM on Wed-nesdays from 4 to 5 p.m., or via podcast at fulldisclosureradio.com. But it’s possible the show will air on other stations; Farzad is looking to work with NPR.
