We at KZSM strive to offer something for everyone in our very diverse community, so we’re happy to introduce three new shows: “Classics and Beyond” (Thursdays 8-9 a.m.), “The Jazz Scene” (Tuesdays 6-7 p.m.) and “Sounds From the Global Village” (Saturdays 2-3 p.m.). All three originate from Quality Radio Productions (QRP), which offers eight different radio shows for syndication to any non-commercial radio station free of charge.
QRP is the brainchild of Jason ‘Jake’ Longwell, a veteran radio program presenter and producer with over 25 years of professional radio experience. Fascinated by broadcasting from childhood, he resolved to make radio his life’s work. After earning a degree in radio production and broadcasting, he worked briefly in commercial radio but quickly realized that’s not where he could best utilize his talents.
“I felt like I could do more with community, public and college radio,” Jake said. At the suggestion of the manager at WHWSLP in Geneva, New York, where he volunteered, he began sending his polished, highly professional shows to other stations. Some twenty stations (“I lost count”) now air one or more of his shows. KZSM is the first in Texas.
Drawing on a music library he’s been accumulating throughout his adult life, Jake tries to create at least one new show every day. He dates his love of music to childhood, when ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ exposed kids to jazz at an early age.
“Being visually impaired, I gravitated toward the sounds of the instruments, “ he said. “I was fascinated with the instruments and how they came together.” His passion for instrumentation also inspired a love for classical music.
Later, when he began getting into world music, one of the first things he discovered was the digeridoo, a hollowed-out eucalyptus tree limb which makes an unusual sound. “It’s the oldest musical instrument known to man,” Jake said.
His shows celebrate the universe of sound, past and present, far and near. He is ”always looking for new music to share with listeners, particularly from new and emerging artists.” Musicians may submit appropriate works (electronically) to qualityradioproductions@ gmail.com.
Deeply committed to community radio and its emphasis on local voices, Jake provides shows to expand a station’s offerings beyond what local volunteers can provide. His ideal community radio station should be, like KZSM, “diverse, eclectic, and open minded, and always put the local volunteers first with the connection to the global community second.”
