Denton’s newest radio station will be up and running this Summer. KUZU is a Low Power FM radio station, which means they are significantly different than most you have likely tuned in to before.

Low Power FM means that this radio station will be a community-based, non-profit organization. LPFM stations have a limited broadcast range, but the community impact could (and we think, will) be tremendous. The Federal Communications Commission approved LPFM stations in 2000, although lobbyists fought for this new wave of radio to not have a place on air, claiming it’d interfere with commercial radio’s full-power signals.

In 2011, President Obama signed the Local Community Radio Act, which opened the way for local stations to operate and broadcast in their communities and on public airwaves. (Thanks, Obama!) In 2013, the FCC started accepting applications for new LPFM stations and some of those are currently being reviewed. By the end of 2015, more than 500 LPFM stations have been fully licensed, which according to Radio Survivor is a 68% increase in the number of stations in 2013.

KUZU is cool for many reasons. First, the channel will be broadcast online as well so whenever you’re travelling outside of Denton (God forbid) you can tune in on your phone or another internet-wielding device. Second, this thing’s going to be run by (essentially) you. In the words of Beyonce, “I might get your song played on the radio station.” And by “I” - I mean you.

After speaking to KUZU’s board of directors, we couldn’t be more excited with the following statement:

“The community at large will be involved. DJ’s, producers, musicians, artists, authors, citizens, students, and children will all have a voice on KUZU. We are charged with the ideal and task of representing, informing, educating, and entertaining the people of Denton. The community-generated programming will be as varied as the personalities of those on the air, covering music, art, debate, and local events. This freeform oriented structure should give rise to challenging shows that will shed light on subjects and music seldom heard.”

Starting in July, KUZU will run 24/7 on 92.9 FM. They will, in fact, need your help. So, how can you help? Follow them on social media. You can check out their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Website. Go out and say “hi” - they’ll have a booth at 35 Denton this coming weekend. They’ll also be launching a Kickstarter in the months to come.

Stay tuned for more information, and in the meantime, spread the word about KUZU. Where will you KUZU?