SAN MARCOS’ RADIO
KZSM needs the community’s help! Donations are needed to help keep San Marcos’ radio station alive. The content of the station is shaped and created by locals, and it is run by volunteers that love this city and are passionate about what they do. According to Jeremy Garrett, KZSM current board president and a founder of the station, KZSM has been on the 104.1 frequency since 2023 and has been operating under a temporary license authorized by the Federal Communications Division at one Watt of broadcasting power with the capabilities of reaching 100 Watts. If KZSM is not fully operational by September of 2026, the license will expire and the station will close.
KZSM provides a voice for all locals with all viewpoints welcomed, as long as it is content that could be found in a PG rated movie. There are several other factors that Garrett said makes the station important: • KZSM aims to be a place where public debates can be heard and anyone can participate.
• KZSM represents the largest town and the county seat of one of the fastest growing areas in the country. KZSM will be the reliable and free source for information that San Marcos has not had.
• KZSM protects the safety of the community by maintaining the Emergency Alert System, broadcasting severe weather and other alerts. The fire chief has access to the studio and can take over the airwaves in times of emergency.
“KZSM is made up entirely of volunteers who care about San Marcos and want our citizens to have a radio station of our own,” Garrett said. “Anyone is welcome to be a part of what we are building, and we do not police the content of each show. We only require that no FCC rules be broken. This type of freedom is very unusual in the broadcasting world.”
Garrett pointed out the variety of shows housed on the KZSM frequency that make it unique.
“We have traditional radio shows that play music and inform listeners about the happenings of the town, of the musicians played and where you might be able to catch them playing live,” Garrett said. “We have topical shows about books, the environment, veterans’ affairs, politics, sports, science and philosophy. KZSM has a handful of independent programs — such as ‘The Mop Tops and The King,’ ‘Dance Time in Texas’ and ‘Choose To Be Curious’ — that are recorded elsewhere and distributed to the station for airplay. We even have a kids show hosted by an 8-year-old kid who resides in our town. It is true community radio, and we have room for even more unique programming.”
KZSM bolsters the community from outside the station walls as well by hosting major events around the city. It hosts the San Marcos Music Awards, which includes a nomination process and three rounds of voting to award winners in various musical categories, followed by an award show at the Price Center. KZSM also hosts Krazy Zoo, which is a two-day, free live music event.
“KZSM is a fixture at many of the events that happen in San Marcos,” Garrett said. “We provide music and announcers for both The Mermaid Parade and the Mardi Gras Parade. We have been a participant in the American Lung Association’s Walk-A-Thon for the last several years. KZSM will provide support for the upcoming Juneteenth celebration.”
Garrett explained that KZSM has been sustained by grants and some donations, which have been “invaluable” and have helped with the purchasing of equipment, studio remodeling and consultants.
“Things are progressing well in moving towards the 100 Watt goal. Unfortunately, under my leadership, we have not focused enough on introducing ourselves to the business community,” Garrett said. “I believed that if we focused on quality programming, then the donations and underwriting would follow accordingly. It seems that I made a critical strategic mistake in not putting more effort into raising money for the station.”
Garrett said the station now needs funding for rent, insurance, utilities, licensing as well as many other day-to-day costs.
“The KZSM Board has formulated a temporary plan to cut some costs and get us a little longer lifeline to stay operating,” Garrett said. “We are optimistic that as the word gets out about our situation, that the value we bring to the community will be realized and donations will become more substantial. The business community should also get ready for a full court press from our members looking for sponsorships and underwriters.”
Donating directly to the station is one way to help, but there are other ways as well.
“We love interested businesses, organizations and individuals who want to sponsor events or underwrite programs,” Garrett said. “Few of our programs currently have underwriting, and we as an organization need to pursue those opportunities. Besides the financial support, the most effective way the community can help is to listen to our station and volunteer to get involved with us.”
Garrett noted that KZSM is a “labor of love” for San Marcans and a window into the city’s soul with the possibility of creating a legacy that continues on long after we are all gone.
Donate to the station at this link paypal.com/don ate?token=MST-2H3A_ jHqsThe2h1wPTLUgAo 1dyVLs95NzEhAtEb1 yARyeQxWMBDk-3_vqg rUi-CnlOZVmRmrPTfp. More ways to help can be found on the website.
