[Vision2020] Listen Up: Radio Free Moscow Needs You

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (December 20, 2006) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to
Lois Blackburn -

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TOWN CRIER II: Listen up: Radio Free Moscow needs you

By Lois Blackburn

Almost any resident of Moscow can recite a list of the special amenities and
opportunities of our city - and keep going for some time. However, an
informal exploration revealed that many community members know nothing about
a unique gem that we have here: Radio Free Moscow. 

Media consolidation is among the many overwhelming 21st century societal
developments that can make any democracy-loving U.S. citizen weep. Most
radio and television stations are owned outright by large corporations and
government entities. What we are exposed to in the media has been filtered
and spun to fit profoundly biased guidelines. A community radio station can
keep opportunities open for the broadcasting of local news and less-censored
world news and the expression of a wide range of points of view. 

In Moscow, we are fortunate to have an independent radio station: KRFP,
Radio Free Moscow, 92.5 FM. 

KRFP has just completed its second year on the air, thanks in large part to
community participation. The station staff and volunteers are deeply
grateful to all who have become volunteers, listeners and financial
supporters. If you haven't yet become involved, it's about time, because a
healthy community needs independent information on the radio waves. 

Station leadership started with Leigh Robartes, who was station manager and
announcer at KUOI. He assembled a group of other enthusiasts for alternative
media. This group became the founding Board of Directors of Moscow Free
Radio: Nancy Casey; Garrett Clevenger; Alicia Cunningham; Cass Davis; Eva Jo
Hallvik; Robert Hoffmann; Paul McPoland; Robartes; Mark Solomon; and
Adrienne and Jack Vincent. Most of them are still active in station
operation. Dave Willard wired the station and still is the chief engineer
and mentor. 

Lest you underestimate the local offerings at 92.5, the "KRFP Evening
Report" and "Morning Mix" carry local stories daily. The station has
recorded and broadcast hearings on such local issues as Naylor Farms, a
proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter, educational institutions in the downtown
area, big-box zoning, water resources, and other growth issues, as well as
its own call-in candidates' forums. These broadcasts are stored in a
valuable online archive for future reference. 

Variety abounds. Perhaps you heard the debate between Doug Wilson and Keely
Emerine Mix, or Alan Solan's interview with Moscow native singer-songwriter
Josh Ritter, or visitors from Haiti discussing that country's politics,
environment, and human rights. KRFP broadcasts music of local composers and
performers as well as music of other ethnic groups. Local writers read
original works. There was a live radio play Dec. 9. There are programs on
scientific subjects, health and fitness, and the environment, including
"Wild Clearwater Country." At any given time on the schedule, there are
about 40 local disc jockeys and talk show hosts. 

Not limited to local programs, the station carries more than 30 syndicated
shows from Pacifica and other independent producers around the world - "Guns
and Butter," "Alternative Radio," "Mediageek," "Law and Disorder," "Amy
Goodman" and "Democracy Now!" - and much more. For a schedule, see
www.radiofreemoscow.com. 

Although reception is governed by numerous variables, some listeners as far
as Deary have used rooftop antennas to pull in the signal. Those closer to
town can buy an indoor wire antenna shaped like a "T" for about $4 at Radio
Shack. KRFP is also streamed live on the Internet at
www.radiofreemoscow.com. 

Financial help is urgently needed. Board members and volunteers apply for
grants (which so far account for 25 percent of the funding) and gratefully
receive the other 75 percent of their operating funds from local fundraisers
and gifts from members and donors. Robartes works 40-60 hours a week for a
nonliving wage. 

The messages of this Town Crier installment have been the following: 

- Moscow is extremely fortunate to have an independent radio station; 

- KRFP can entertain and inform you, expand your world, and broaden your
mental horizons; 

- The station needs support from the community in order to continue to
function and expand. 

Don't miss listening and please consider volunteering and/or contributing
financial support. The address is: KRFP Radio Free Moscow Inc., 116 E. Third
St., No. 201, Moscow, ID 83843.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching.

- Author Unknown
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