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Looking to embark on an audio adventure? Tune in to a local, noncommercial radio station. Each listening session can have the thrill of a treasure hunt – you never know what gems you may discover or interesting folks you might come across.
From the cutting edge to the classic to the gleefully weird, noncommercial radio stations have something to suit every taste (and while there is definitely enjoyment to be had in turning a physical radio dial, you can also usually listen live over the internet).
For loyal listeners and devoted DJs alike, local radio stations are still a beloved part of the local music (and more) scene. Consider this your public service announcement: Here are eight Peninsula stations to check out.
KFJC, Los Altos Hills
89.7 FM / kfjc.org / Instagram: @kfjc897fm / 650-941-2500
Noncommercial radio is “local, community homebrew, as opposed to the high-powered, high-budget commercial stations,” said KFJC station supervisor Robert “Doc” Pelzel. “It’s encouraging people to expand and try stuff other than what they’re used to.”
KFJC – whose website proudly describes it as “radio that’s weirder than you, but not by much” – is headquartered at Foothill College and strives to introduce listeners to new and interesting music and information. As an affiliate of Foothill, KFJC also serves as a vital training ground for the community in all parts of radio production.
Pelzel suggests new listeners browse the station’s archives to get a sense of its vibe. “They can pick a random show, they can spot check and hop through the hour and find what is more to their taste,” he said. “We try to get our jocks to not only get out of their own comfort zones, but also get the listeners out of theirs, so you never know what you’re gonna get next.”
KZSU, Stanford
90.1 FM / kzsu.org / Instagram: @kzsu / 855-723-9010
“KZSU has been everything to me,” said Ula Lucas, one of the station’s general managers. Lucas is a Stanford University senior and has been involved with the campus station since her freshman year, when she became a DJ.
“I think that there’s just really an authenticity to it. There’s so much value in the intergenerational learning that goes on here,” she said. “It’s way less insular than every other space I’m in…there’s room for everyone in so many ways and I’ve just always thought that was such a beautiful thing.”
She appreciates the way the station’s offerings have exposed her to new sounds, ideas and genres, and recommended the long-running “Wednesday Night Live” show, which showcases in-studio visits by local bands. KZSU’s beloved “Day of Noise” came back last year after a pandemic hiatus, highlighting a full 24 hours of all kinds of live experimentation and improvisation.
In addition to its eclectic lineup of music shows, KZSU also broadcasts Stanford sports and Palo Alto City Council meetings. After Lucas graduates, “I think that wherever I am, I’ll be keen to look for radio and hope to be involved,” she said.
KCEA, Atherton/Redwood City
89.1 FM / kcea.org / 650-306-8822
Tune your dial to 89.1 and get transported back to the golden age of radio thanks to this retro-tastic station broadcasting American popular songs, swing tunes and jazz standards from the early 20th century.
Known as “The Home of the Big Bands,” KCEA “collects, restores and preserves music recorded by a wide range of singers, instrumental bands, and jazz musicians for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations,” the station’s website states.
Over the past 40 years, KCEA has amassed a loyal following not only locally but across the globe, general manager Craig Roberts said. KCEA is also the voice of the Sequoia Union High School District, offering coverage of school events and sports, creating opportunities for student engagement and sharing the district’s educational initiatives.
KCSM, San Mateo
91.1 FM / kcsm.org / Instagram: @kcsmjazz91 / 650-574-6586
Licensed to the San Mateo County Community College District and an affiliate of Public Radio International and National Public Radio, KCSM Jazz 91 gives the Bay Area a 24-hours-a-day jazz format, which it committed to nearly 40 years ago. The station, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, offers mainstream jazz with a few specialty programs.
Anytime is a good time to listen, KCSM program/music director Jesse “Chuy” Varela said of the station’s programs. “I love them all, but one of our most popular shows is the Saturday Mid-Day Jazz show with Sonny Buxton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he said.
KHMB, Half Moon Bay
100.9 FM / khmbradio.com / Instagram: @khmbradio / 650-726-1710
“I like what I do because I enjoy the sense of community we have here and it is a way of giving back to the people that make this such a wonderful place to live,” said KHMB general manager James Henderson.
Half Moon Bay’s listener-supported station operates under the guidance of the Community Media Foundation and is home to a variety of programs, including “Coastside Carousel” (featuring interviews with local musicians) and the “Feature Story of the Week” (people and organizations making a difference on the Coastside), which Henderson said are two of the most popular. It’s also home to the intriguing “Dr. Ghoul,” who combines horror and humor.
KPDO, Pescadero
89.3 FM / kpdo.net / 650-668-5558
KPDO, Pescadero Public Radio Service (PPRS), which calls itself “the voice of San Mateo County’s South Coast,” offers programming including local news, all kinds of music, public meeting coverage and live updates on road conditions and weather in English and Spanish.
PPRS board President Catherine Peery, along with Michelle Dragony, offers the “Weekly Coastside Buzz Report,” which plays on the weekends and is a news roundup for the San Mateo County coast south of Pacifica. “Music of the South Coast,” hosted by San Gregorio musician and songwriter Neil Panton, presents work by artists who live, perform or have recorded music locally.
According to KPDO’s website, the station also supports youth broadcast journalism opportunities in the La Honda-Pescadero School District.
KKUP, Cupertino/San Jose
91.5 FM / kkup.org / Instagram: @kkup_radio / 408-260-2999
KKUP is an all-volunteer community radio station that’s been running since 1972 and is 100% listener supported. “This gives us a truly independent voice on the public airwaves, allowing us to do things the way we see fit,” said program director Kevin Kavanaugh. “We try to present music and entertainment that you don’t find in the mainstream FM universe,” including some shows that have been on the air for more than four decades, he said.
The station plays music from all over the world, representing all different eras and styles, including “Solid Foundation,” a Friday evening reggae program, and “There’s No Biz Like Show Biz,” an every first, third and fifth Tuesday afternoon show celebrating show tunes, soundtracks and TV themes.
KSCU, Santa Clara
103.3 FM / kscu.org / Instagram: @kscu / 408-554-5728
KSCU is Santa Clara University’s student-run radio station, offering a diverse mix of music, talk shows, podcasts and school sports coverage. Come to the station’s website to check out the show offerings, stay for the cute, animated illustrations!
