Turn on mass-market radio. Listen for 8 hours. Hear Katy Perry once every half hour. Radio was not always so. In the late 60’s and 70’s freeform radio stations abounded – giving DJs control over their time slots with programming based on themes rather than play counts and responsible in no small part for the growth and success of FM. While this type of programming has been demolished almost entirely across the dial, we are lucky enough to have the longest running freeform station right here in New Jersey – WFMU out of Jersey City.
WFMU (91.1 FM) is everything a freeform station should be – listener supported, fully programmed by some of the best DJs in the country, and eclectic as all get-out. It gives voice to specialty shows that feature gospel, independent hip-hop, world beats, country, indie rock, documentary interview-collages and some of the funniest call-in shows I’ve ever heard. Tune in at 3 different times during the day and there’s no doubt you will be exposed to 3 completely novel sound experiences – and passionate voices of volunteer DJs who share their musical knowledge purely for the love of it.
WFMU kicked off their annual fundraising marathon this week in an effort to keep this kind of programming alive for another year. Tonight will feature one of the greatest traditions in WFMU marathon fundraising – from 9 PM to midnight, Yo La Tengo will play a cover of any request live on the air in exchange for a pledge to the station. Every year, Yo La Tengo puts on an amazing display of musicianship and comedic timing – it is not to be missed. Tune in to WFMU tonight and help keep freeform radio alive in NJ!
