By Rich Howells/The Times Leader

A new non-profit radio station in Scranton called WFTE-FM is hoping to “Get on the Air” by January with the help of several local bands.

The start-up, commercial-free radio station plans to provide alternative local news and talk, local music, educational programming, Spanish-language broadcasts, and national programs such as “Democracy Now,” “Law and Disorder Radio,” and the “Tom Hartman Show.”

They hope to broadcast to at least six counties, and fundraising will help WFTE secure broadcast towers in Wayne County, Hamlin, and a studio based in Scranton.

WFTE started a fundraising campaign in 2008 and has already raised $180,000 towards their $220,000 goal.

Organizers have gathered five local bands for the station’s first “Get on the Air” benefit concert at the Stone Elephant, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Olyphant on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Shawn Z of Gypsy will open the show at 9 p.m., followed by Northern Outlaws, Coal Town Rounders, Erthan and Rogue Chimp.

Tickets are $10.

WFTE will also sell $100 raffle tickets at the show for a grand prize of $20,000 cash, a second prize of $4,000, and a third prize of $1,000.

Future benefit concerts are planned for November at The Vintage Theater and The Irish Wolf Pub in downtown Scranton.