FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Voice Completes Landmark 26-Hour “Fili-Booker” Live Stream Inspired by Senator Cory Booker’s Record-Setting Filibuster
Almost 25 episodes posted; more coming on YouTube and Facebook
FAIRFIELD, CT – May 9, 2025 – The Voice, a community-focused broadcast and activism platform, announced the successful completion of its ambitious 26-hour continuous broadcast event, the “Fili-Booker.” This groundbreaking initiative, directly inspired by the engaging, comprehensive, and far-reaching communication style of United States Senator Cory Booker, captivated listeners across Fairfield and beyond with its diverse array of audio content. The broadcast commenced at May Day, May 1, at midnight on the international date line over the Pacific Ocean (April 30, 8am NYC ET) and concluded Saturday evening, 4 days later. The Voice was unsuccessful in having a continuous stream, due to being kicked off youtube for copyright infringement when streaming It’s a Wonderful Life (which they had just legally rented from youtube). “We wanted to show Mr. Potter, who is the bad guy in the movie who makes people rent instead of building equity with home ownership,” said The Voice owner Matthew Hallock. Despite the late-night, sudden loss of support from Google, The Voice crossed the 26-hour finish line over the next few days on Instagram Live and Facebook Live. This actually provided a nice comparison between the three platforms. The Voice is working out the misunderstanding with Google.
The “Fili-Booker” was conceived as a unique audio experience designed to mirror Senator Booker’s commitment to in-depth discussions spanning a multitude of critical and engaging topics. Over the course of the 26-hour marathon, The Voice curated a seamless stream of audio clips, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking segments that touched upon nearly every facet of contemporary life. It conducted driving tours with commentary of Fairfield, CT, sister city Bridgeport, state governance, higher ed, energy, water, and more. A highlight was reading the Declaration of Independence, to remind public servants that they are elected to protect the rights of man, not the right of way for builders. The goal was an innovative broadcast format that would entertain and also to inform and inspire listeners, fostering a greater understanding of the complex issues shaping our world. “Let’s be honest, though,” said Hallock. “The b-roll footage of my two puppies is what everybody comes to watch.”
The extensive programming of the “Fili-Booker” encompassed a rich tapestry of audio content, thoughtfully organized into key thematic areas:
- Public Policy and Governance: This segment featured excerpts from significant legislative debates, engaging town hall meetings, and views of policy experts and elected officials. Listeners were able to delve into the nuances of current legislation, understand the perspectives of various stakeholders, and gain a deeper appreciation for the processes of governance at local, state, and federal levels.
- Social Justice and Community Development: Addressing vital social issues, this portion of the broadcast included compelling discussions on community development initiatives, powerful narratives related to social justice movements, and reports on impactful local events aimed at fostering positive change. The aim was to amplify diverse voices and promote greater awareness of pressing social concerns.
- Arts, Culture, and Humanities: Celebrating the richness of human creativity and expression, this segment showcased captivating musical performances from local and emerging artists, insightful interviews with writers, painters, sculptors, and other cultural figures, as well as engaging discussions on current trends and historical perspectives within the arts and humanities.
- Personal Growth and Inspiration: Dedicated to empowering listeners on their personal journeys, this section featured motivational speeches from renowned speakers, practical self-improvement talks from experts in various fields, and deeply moving inspirational stories from individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved their goals.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation: Exploring the cutting edge of human ingenuity, this segment provided updates on the latest technological advancements, featured interviews with leading tech innovators and entrepreneurs, and delved into the societal implications of emerging scientific discoveries and technological trends.
- Local News and Community Affairs: Staying true to its commitment to the local community, The Voice incorporated segments focused on pertinent local news stories, updates on community initiatives, and interviews with local leaders and residents making a difference in Fairfield and surrounding areas.
Throughout the continuous 26-hour broadcast, listeners actively engaged with the “Fili-Booker” through various interactive elements, including:
- Excerpts from Influential Historical Speeches and Interviews: Providing context and perspective by revisiting pivotal moments in history through the voices of key figures.
- Enriching Musical Interludes Featuring Talented Artists: Offering moments of respite and celebrating the vibrant artistic talent within the community.
- Dynamic Live Listener Call-ins and Real-time Social Media Interactions: Fostering a sense of community and allowing listeners to share their thoughts and reactions using the dedicated hashtag #FiliBooker, which trended locally throughout the event.
- Insightful Special Guest Appearances from Respected Community Leaders and Subject Matter Experts: Providing valuable perspectives and in-depth analysis on a wide range of topics.
- Engaging Panel Discussions and Robust Roundtable Debates on Current Issues: Encouraging critical thinking and presenting diverse viewpoints on important societal challenges.
“The ‘Fili-Booker’ was more than just a lengthy broadcast; it was a deliberate effort to create a truly immersive experience that mirrored the dynamic and intellectually stimulating conversations that Senator Booker champions,” said Hallock. “Our goal was to engage our listenership with a broad spectrum of content, spark meaningful dialogues within our community, and ultimately provide a richer understanding of the world around us. The incredible response we received, both on-air and online, indicates that we successfully connected with our audiences.”
The Voice is proud to have undertaken this ambitious project and extends its sincere gratitude to the listeners, guests, and the entire team who contributed to the resounding success of the “Fili-Booker.”
Contact:
Matthew Hallock
(203) 394-7238
