In addition to hosting a radio program on KZSM 104.1 LPFM, I am also the current president of the board at the radio station. My second one-year term will end on Dec. 31, and I expect to return for a final one-year term in 2025.
Our board consists of nine seats, each with oneyear terms, and a three term limit. The executive committee is made up of the secretary, treasurer, vice-president and president. Other board members head other committees within the organization, and together we attempt to steer this all-volunteer radio station through its early-stage growth and onto a path of sustained success.
KZSM passed the oneyear mark of being a broadcast FM radio station on Nov. 1. In that year, our programming has continued to grow. The studio’s equipment has improved. Our two marquee events (The San Marcos Music Awards and Krazy Zoo San Marcos) met our internal goals, and our verifiable listenership has gone up every month. Collectively, things have continued trending well.
However, most of the hard work still needs to be completed. We are building an organization on the fly — complying with federal agency regulations, filling committees, creating policy, on-boarding new members, ensuring reliable day-to-day operations and many other tasks.
Fun fact: Per current FCC orders, KZSM is broadcasting at only one percent of our operating capacity. If you have noticed recently that 104.1 FM is more staticky, that is the reason. The board is working on a solution to get our FM transmission closer to full capacity. This broadcast signal issue is just one of many that KZSM 104.1 LPFM will have to tackle over the coming few years in order to secure a permanent spot along the San Marcos radio dial.
The creative and non-profit communities have embraced what KZSM is offering. However, we do need the local businesses to support us, too. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 operating from donations, underwriting, sponsorships and grants. As KZSM president, my number one goal now is to build a strong base of business underwriters to cover the monthly operational costs of our community radio station.
If you, your business or your organization would like to have a say in building San Marcos’ community radio station, please consider donating, sponsoring or underwriting a show. Or you can join this creative adventure by volunteering. To learn more, visit our website or email kzsmsanmarcos@gmail. com.
