What many people may not know is that both Jill and I have had the pleasure of working in community and independent media outlets for many years before becoming a couple and pursuing our careers as artists.

I was involved in a small market, independent television and radio station, while Jill contributed as a writer for various independent magazines and newspapers.

While my reflections here are meant to highlight the significance of community/indie radio, it’s important to note that this is not an opportunity to discredit commercial radio. The larger broadcasting companies serve a purpose and bring music to the masses. However, the smaller community/indie formats offer numerous benefits to music fans worldwide. Here are just a few of the advantages of tuning in to these stations.

Localized Focus

Some community/indie stations are entirely or partially run by volunteers, meaning that the individuals at the forefront are there out of a genuine desire to contribute to the local voice these stations provide to communities. This leads to more localized content. Many migrant populations benefit from shows tailored to music and content that holds cultural significance for them. Additionally, those seeking to learn about and enter the industry benefit from the experience gained from volunteer positions. Any of these reasons is incredibly important, as this format allows residents of the area to gain a deeper understanding of their neighbors, neighborhoods, and community.

DJ-Driven

Unlike major corporate entities and streaming services whose primary role is to reflect the mainstream, community/indie shows are programmed and heavily influenced by the on-air DJs. This presents a fantastic opportunity to discover new music, independent artists, and niche genres such as World, Freak Folk, Klezmer, and UK Funky that don’t receive airtime on commercial formats and would struggle to make any major playlist on Spotify.

Support Local Economic Growth

Advertising is one of the ways that community/indie stations keep the lights on. Often, their ad rates are much lower than those of commercial radio spots, providing small businesses with an affordable and effective advertising avenue. As a result, the money generated by these stations stays within the community and contributes to the local economy.