Have you ever gone to the drive-in movies and turned on your radio to hear the audio of the film? Or tuned into a station listed on a highway sign for ferry, highway, or weather information? If so, you’ve used a Low Power FM radio station. These stations are becoming more popular as folks learn the benefits of media such as podcasting and talk radio. Here we’ll give you a bit of information about this unique radio station and help you discover some to check out right here in the Puget Sound region. \
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What is low power FM (LPFM) radio?
These stations can be operated from the home or from small businesses. They must be operated by a non-profit, an educational institution, public safety group, transportation service, or Indigenous tribe. LPFM stations operate at 100-watts which allow them to cover about a three and a half mile radius. Launched in 2000 by the FCC as a way to give communities the ability to broadcast, you’ll find a wide range of stations covering different topics.
Stations provide services such as- weather information, religious programming, educational programs, community events and connections, music, or talk radio. There are close to 1,000 stations in the United States, each with its own special niche and purpose. Most stations have a full broadcast schedule available on their website.
FCC Lower Power FM radio info: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/low-power-fm-lpfm-radio
Radio station broadcast equipment – DepositPhotos.com
Puget Sound LPFM radio stations
We’re fortunate to have dozens of LPFM stations here in the Puget Sound. Below, we list many popular radio stations. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. We encourage you to find more stations on your own. Scroll to the end of the list for a link to more stations around Washington State.
Many stations of the stations not listed here are foreign language stations. They can be a great way to connect with others who speak the same language or to get community information and events for folks from that culture. Especially if you’re a non-native English speaker- or are learning a second language, be sure to look into these other stations.
(Listed roughly north to south throughout the region)
KLOI 102.9 FM Lopez Island
KLOI 102.9 broadcasts from the red barn, one mile south of the school on Center Rd. and can be heard across Lopez Island. This station provides an eclectic mix of music like folk, blues, world music, and rock. Multiple local and nationally syndicated talk shows are broadcast on topics such as conservation, local library news, and more.
KAPY Valley 104.9 FM Carnation Valley
KAPY 104.9 broadcasts from Duvall and can be heard in Duvall, Carnation, and Redmond Ridge. Their broadcast includes music, comedy, community announcements, school board updates, news, and a variety of unique shows.
KBFG 107.3 North Seattle
KBFG 107.3 broadcasts can be heard in Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, and surrounding areas of North Seattle. They focus on local music and also broadcast news, talk shows, and special features of music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
KHUH 104.9 FM Central Seattle
KHUH 104.9 broadcasts from the Central District. Visitors can check out the broadcast booth at 2018a E. Union St. Known as Hollow Earth Radio, according to their website this station focuses on “the local music community… Our focus is on found sound, field recordings, forgotten music, local musicians, bedroom recordings, low-fi demos, dreams, storytelling, and things that feel real”
KMGP SPACE 101.1 LPFM Seattle Magnuson Park
KMGP SPACE 101.1 broadcasts from Magnuson Park and can be heard around Northeast Seattle. The station mostly plays music with a wide variety sure to appeal to any preferences. They also host a weekly show with news and nature information from the park and a few other shows.
KODX 96.9 FM Seattle U-district
KODX 96.9 can be heard around the U-district in Seattle, the station can be picked up in most Seattle neighborhoods. According to the website, they are working with “local grassroots organizations to help them produce regular radio shows/segments and contribute content for the stations news segments.” KODX broadcasts talk radio shows on dozens of topics.
KXSU 102.1 FM Seattle University
KXSU 102.1 broadcasts directly from Seattle University to the Seattle area. Each student DJ has the opportunity to choose what they wish to broadcast making this a station with a lot of variety. There is a strong focus on local music and local voices from each DJ.
KVRU 105.7 FM South Seattle
KVRU 105.7 broadcasts from Southeast Seattle. The station focuses on highlighting diverse voices and giving folks the opportunity to share their story and engage in diverse programming and with diverse perspectives.
KVSH 101.9 FM Vashon Island
KVSH 101.9, known as the Voice of Vashon provides community information, a wide and diverse variety of talk shows, and an equally diverse selection of music. Something for everyone!
KTAH 101.9 FM Radio Tacoma
KTAH 101.9 Radio Tacoma is an all-volunteer LPFM community radio station that broadcasts in Tacoma and the surrounding area for local voices, news, and talent that might otherwise not get heard.
KTQA-LP 95.3 FM Tacoma
KTQA-LP 95.3 broadcasts from downtown Tacoma throughout the Tacoma area. The station focuses on “Old Time Radio” as well as community news and updates. They work closely with 101.9, Radio Tacoma.
To find foreign language station stations or others outside of the Puget Sound region, check this list of Washington State LPFM Radio Stations: https://radiostationnet.com/lpfm/washington/.
But wait, there’s more!
- Our big list of live music venues (all genres).
- Our big list of music festivals in Washington State.
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
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Calendar of live music events
The following calendar list includes upcoming live and live stream music events in all genres. We update music events on a rolling basis all year long. We also try to have several free and low cost live music events on the calendar every weekend.
