Listeners Turn to Local Community Stations for Voices Missing on Traditional Radio

Despite the meteoric rise of podcasting and streaming in recent years, radio maintains its significant role in our lives. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, around 82% of Americans aged 12 and older engage with radio weekly. The Sacramento region exemplifies this enduring popularity, with familiar local commercial stations such as 98 Rock and CapRadio. However, community radio is a hidden gem, emphasizing local issues and operated by non-profits staffed by residents.Stations like 93.3 K-ZAP and 95.9 KUTZ embrace this ethos, supporting emerging local musicians. K-ZAP, established in 2015, emphasizes new music alongside established hits. In contrast, 97.5 KDEE highlights African American culture and issues.Community stations also serve urgent needs; KVMR, for instance, operates as Nevada County’s emergency broadcast source. Despite funding challenges exacerbated by federal cuts, these stations remain committed to community engagement and expression, signifying the unique power of low-power FM radio to amplify local voices.