From where I’m writing, there are about 54 radio stations that I could listen to. Of those, only 28 are based in the Tri-Cities, with even fewer sourcing material from local DJs or radio hosts.
Most comprise curated playlists by corporate entities like iHeartMedia. They are designed to standardize content across stations, maximize audience engagement, and boost advertising revenue. If that sounds as unappealing to you as it does to us, allow me to tell you more about The Hideout FM, the upcoming radio station that operates both low power and freeform.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: You can read more about The Hideout FM’s origin story here: https://tumbleweird.org/the-hideout.)
Low power radio stations, introduced in 2000, offer a counter to corporate media entities. The station broadcasts at under 100 watts. In contrast, national AM stations can use up to 320,000 watts! This is part of what allows us to keep our broadcast hyper-local and hyper-relevant.
The Hideout FM is also a freeform station. Freeform means that our DJs have complete creative control over the content they broadcast (according to FCC guidelines, of course!). The freeform approach was pioneered by WFMU in New Jersey, a non-commercial, listener-supported, independent community radio station which has been running since 1958! We intend to be commercial-free and listener-powered, as well.
As of 2024, The Hideout FM has been approved to broadcast on 97.5 FM KOLW. There’s just one catch: We don’t have a radio transmitter, and the deadline to be on air is February 2027; otherwise we may lose the frequency. Our 90 members have been working hard to fundraise the appropriate amount so we can get on air as soon as possible.
Prior fundraising events include the Free the Airwaves event at Caterpillar Cafe last year, and an ongoing partnership with Barnes & Noble Book Fair. We also host free vinyl nights at Moonshot Brewery, where anyone can DJ vinyl, and host workshops at Adventures Underground teaching people how to DJ. But don’t worry; although we love vinyl, we’re not vinyl-exclusive.
Everyone is invited to join. If you have a passion for music, radio skits, production, or anything in between, we’d love to have you! Our primary form of communication is Discord and we have general in-person meetings from time-to-time. If you’d like to hear more legitimate community-based programming and local music on the radio, please consider donating through our Patreon.
Free the airwaves!
The Hideout is a local, nonprofit, all-volunteer community radio station that will be broadcasting over your FM airwaves soon! More info at https://www.thehideout.fm or info@thehideout.fm.
