New Yorkers to get a jolt of experimental music and more

Last week Marty wished for a few more classical stations. Shortly thereafter I received an e-mail that in part answered her prayer. It announced the impending arrival of a new FM radio station that, although not devoted entirely to classical music, will certainly be unlike any other now on the air.

This new station in upstate New York is the offspring of free103point9, an innovative nonprofit organization that champions the work of audio artists who “who explore the idea of transmission or the physical properties of the electromagnetic spectrum for creative expression,” to borrow a phrase from their website. free103point9 runs an Internet audio stream, stages performances, hosts a sculpture garden at their headquarters in upstate New York and does all sorts of other cool stuff. Check out the schedule for their Web radio station for a taste of their unique and adventurous programming.

Now free103point9 is preparing to launch a terrestrial radio station, mixing elements of their online broadcast with news, music and other programming targeted to their local community. Last year, under the auspices of the Future of Music Coalition, I helped free103 through the process of applying for an FM broadcast license, taking advantage of a rare filing window opened by the Federal Communications Commission. (The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra also applied — I wrote about their effort in a previous post.)

In a press release, free103 said the station will be the first in the United States to focus on radio art. Program Director Tom Roe also said:

We want to give members of the community a chance to take the microphone, go on the air, and talk about what is going on in Greene and Columbia counties. This is a special opportunity for this area, and all the talented artists, hard-working activists, and unique personalities here to become the local media.

free103 is now starting to plan the station’s programming and raise funds, and expects to get the station on the air in 2010. I can’t wait to see what they do with it. In the meantime, check out their extensive website and listen to their Web stream for a taste of what’s to come.

Congratulations to free103! Here’s hoping many more would-be broadcasters looking to provide distinct and valuable local services get their permits in coming months — including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I’ll be sure to keep you posted about their fortunes as well.