Local Listening
The Voice of Siskiyou County
The Radio SisQ Low Power FM Consortium unites local stations in a shared commitment to delivering hyper-local news, diverse entertainment, and life-saving emergency information. We empower our communities by amplifying local voices, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring access to timely and reliable broadcasting. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep dedication to public service, we strive to be a trusted, responsive, and inclusive resource for all residents of Siskiyou County.
"The unincorporated towns of Henley and Hornbrook could be more socially unified and understanding of our diversities if we had means to explore issues of unique interest to our area - from local perspectives that are not always reflected in mainstream news or even in social media."
Truly Local Media
Sharing What Matters
The Radio SisQ Low Power FM Consortium unites local stations in a shared commitment to delivering hyper-local news, diverse entertainment, and life-saving emergency information. We empower our communities by amplifying local voices, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring access to timely and reliable broadcasting. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep dedication to public service, we strive to be a trusted, responsive, and inclusive resource for all residents of Siskiyou County.
How We Started
A Community Radio Movement
The conversation began with a growing concern: the decline of local media. Across Siskiyou County, traditional sources of news had vanished, leaving residents increasingly dependent on corporate social media algorithms to stay informed. The last bastions of locally controlled media were the county’s two Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) television channels—but how could we reach more people with truly local news, stories, and emergency updates?
It was during one of these discussions that the Executive Director of the Arts Council posed a bold question: *What would it take to bring back radio?* Not internet radio—something tangible, accessible, and community-driven. Initial research was discouraging. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hadn’t opened applications for new radio licenses in nearly a decade. The idea seemed like a dream beyond reach.
Then, in September 2023, everything changed.
An unexpected inquiry arrived from **Common Frequency**, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community and college radio. They had big news: the FCC was opening a rare and brief window for applications for Low Power FM (LPFM) radio licenses. It was an opportunity that might not come again for years—if ever.
Seizing the moment, we launched a grassroots campaign to identify communities across Siskiyou County that might be interested in securing a license. From small towns to remote rural areas, we spread the word, rallied local leaders, and gathered the necessary information to apply.
By the December submission deadline, we had pulled together applications for 12 community radio licenses, with technical guidance from Common Frequency, we successfully submitted them all.
Then, in March 2024, the results came in: 11 of the 12 licenses had been approved, with one still pending. What started as a conversation had now become a full-fledged movement to reclaim local media.
Now, we embark on the next challenge—securing funding to build these stations, forging collaborations, and laying the foundation for a new era of local news, entertainment, and emergency communication in Siskiyou County. What once seemed impossible is now within reach, and the future of independent, community-driven radio is closer than ever.
Movement Makers
Our Founders
David McAdams
Executive Director
Producer and cinematographer of documentary, corporate, and promotional videos, David studied filmmaking at the Art Institute of California – SF. Past clients include Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, a national boutique company with eye on sustainability; San Francisco’s Walden House, helping adolescents with substance use disorder issues; and Laurel Fertility Clinic in San Francisco, dedicated to helping families grow. He was production assistant for the award-winning documentary “The Power of Two”. Prior to film, David served 22 years in the USAF. In retirement, as plant superintendent at Sealy Mattress in Richmond, CA. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Siskiyou Media Council.
Siskiyou Media Council
P.O. Box 534
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 918-8411 (o)
(707) 712-9123 (c)
www.siskiyoumediacouncil.org
Patricia Lord
Executive Director
Patricia is a cultural sector professional with over fifteen years' experience in places large and small across the United States. She holds masters’ degrees in Museum Studies and Business Administration with an emphasis on non-profit management from John F. Kennedy University and a bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilization from Beloit College. She is the Executive Director of the Siskiyou County Arts Council, the county arts agency for Siskiyou and State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council. In previous positions she worked to designate the Redding Cultural District, worked at the Siskiyou County Museum developing collections management plans, and has been using art and history in creative placemaking/keeping activities in far northern California for seven years. As Executive Director for the Siskiyou County Arts Council she focuses on administration for the organization including culture shift and organizational development, policy, procedure, short and long-term funding, and identifying and developing strategic partnerships with artists and arts organizations. In addition to consulting work, she also serves as JEDI's VITA Site Coordinator, running a free tax preparation program for low-income, limited English proficiency, and elderly clients in the region.
Siskiyou County Arts Council
P.O. Box 1365
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
530.918.8380 x102 (o)
312.218.2331 (c)
www.siskiyouarts.org
