Why Community Radio for Siskiyou County?
What do you get when you mix wide-open spaces, small-town vibes, and people who care about each other? You get Siskiyou County. But here’s the thing—while our mountains, rivers, and communities are beautiful, they’re also pretty spread out. And that makes staying connected a challenge. That’s where community radio comes in.
Community radio isn’t just music on the dial. It’s neighbors talking to neighbors, it’s local voices sharing local stories, and it’s a tool that can literally save lives during an emergency. Big media companies aren’t going to cover the Dunsmuir parade, the Hornbrook spaghetti feed, or the Forks of Salmon talent show—but community radio will.
Local Voices, Local Stories
We all know the frustration of scrolling through endless news feeds only to realize none of it is about here. Siskiyou County deserves a voice that’s truly local. Community radio gives us that. It’s where you can hear about what’s going on in your town—whether that’s a high school sports update, a city council decision, or a fundraiser to help a family in need.
Plus, it’s a platform for local musicians, storytellers, and artists. Imagine tuning in and hearing a band from Mount Shasta or a poet from McCloud. Suddenly, the radio isn’t just background noise—it’s a showcase of the incredible creativity living right in our own county.
Radio in an Emergency
Here’s the serious side: when things go wrong, radio matters. Wildfires, winter storms, power outages—you name it, Siskiyou has faced it. In those moments, cell service and the internet can go down, but radio keeps going.
That’s why we’re working to link 12 Low Power FM (LPFM) stations across the county. Picture it: if there’s a fire in Happy Camp, or a closure on I-5, the network of stations can spread the word instantly. Emergency services can use the system to keep people informed, and your old battery-powered radio becomes a lifeline.
Built for Community
Unlike commercial stations that beam in ads from miles away, community radio is built by the people, for the people. Volunteers run the shows, locals bring the ideas, and together we create something that feels like home.
It’s also affordable. LPFM stations are small but mighty—they don’t need giant budgets to make an impact. That means more energy goes into programming and less into overhead.
And the best part? Anyone can get involved. You don’t have to be a “radio pro” to host a show. Got a passion for gardening, history, fishing, or classic rock? There’s room on the mic for you. Community radio thrives on diversity of voices, and the more the merrier.
Bringing Us Together
Siskiyou County is big, but community radio shrinks the distance. A resident in Tulelake can hear what’s happening in Dorris. Someone in Seiad can catch an interview with a Mount Shasta business owner. It’s a reminder that while our towns are spread out, we’re all part of the same community.
It’s also just plain fun. There’s something charming about turning on the radio and hearing someone you know. Maybe it’s your neighbor doing a Saturday morning show or a local teenager spinning tracks after school. It makes radio feel personal again.
Why Now?
The timing couldn’t be better. Technology makes it easier than ever to connect our stations and share programming. And people are craving authenticity—real voices, real stories, not just algorithms deciding what we should hear.
By building these stations, we’re not just creating another media outlet. We’re building a community hub, a place where people come together, share, laugh, learn, and look out for one another.
Siskiyou County deserves radio that’s as unique, resilient, and creative as the people who live here. Community radio is more than a project—it’s an investment in connection, safety, and fun.
So, when you hear us on the dial, tune in. Better yet—get involved. Because community radio only works when it’s powered by community, and that means you.
