KZSM — Playing the music, paying the bills
Community radio stations like KZSM.org operate differently from commercial radio, which covers expenses by selling advertising—you won’t hear anyone ordering you to buy a used car or a lifetime supply of cat litter. Community radio also differs from public radio, which covers large demographics and enjoys support from foundations and large corporations.
KZSM.org, your true community radio station, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, operated entirely by volunteers who create the programming, maintain the equipment, and administer the daily activities of the corporation. Like the work that sustains the station, most of the equipment is donated. But there are still expenses, including rent on our beloved storefront studio at 216 North Guadalupe, where we look out on the city and sometimes catch passers-by dancing to the music of our broadcasts playing in the street. We pay public performance organizations for permission to play that copyrighted music; we pay for the service that streams our broadcasts, and we pay to keep the power on and the internet working.
Our only income comes from the community we serve. From time to time we’re been fortunate to receive grants from the City of San Marcos. Before the pandemic, we were able to put on fundraisers at local venues. Now our occasional fundraisers happen virtually, when Metal Mark Moniz stages all-night marathon versions of his popular “Metal Mark Live” (Thursdays 10 p.m. to midnight).
At the moment, we are sustained almost entirely by donations and by underwriting and sponsorships. As an underwriter, a business or individual donates regularly to support a specific show. A monthly donation of $50 supports a 1-hour weekly show, and a promotional message about the donor’s business runs four times during the hour. Often, the underwriter has a connection with the show. For instance, the Haute Spot Event Venue underwrites “Friday Night with Care” (Fridays 8-10 p.m.), which features musicians from our region. The Wittliff Collections at Texas State underwrite “Bookmarked” (Tuesdays 4-5 p.m.), and The San Marcos Art League underwrites “Creator’s Corner” (first and second Fridays 6-7 p.m.). Business or individuals may choose a show to underwrite or arrange a sponsorship to support KZSM.org throughout the week. To participate, contact us at KZSMSanMarcos@gmail.com.
Of course, you can support KZSM.org at any time, in any amount: just find the “Donate” button on our web site and help sustain this true community that we all share.
