Inform. Engage. Educate. Entertain. Delight

90.1FM106.7FM90.7FM
Now Playing: Loading...
Listen Live!

KZMU… It’s Booming!

March 27, 2023 | By Admin

Spring is springing (or at least trying to) out here in the high desert and as the season turns, the hardworking and dedicated staff at KZMU are gearing up for our biannual Spring Fundraiser… That’s right, it’s RADIOTHON TIME! The dates are April 7th through 15th and our goal is $40,000.

This Membership drive propels KZMU, a small by mighty public media non-profit, into its fourth decade of service. As a radio station, KZMU provides award winning journalism, engaging conversations, and mind-expanding/soul-lifting/heart-filling/ear-wigglin’ MUSIC! But as an organization, KZMU provides something much less tangible, but all the more important: KZMU provides a sense of community, a sense of place… a sense of Home. 

As we round the corner on year 31 of broadcasting to Moab, Castle Valley, and all those sweet spots around the world, we must pause to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished over the last three decades. We spent most of our 30th year recounting wild tales of early beginnings, hearing from founders, and getting a sense of the places, and faces, we’ve been. Now let’s take a look at where we ARE. 

But first…DONATE!

KZMU is home to more than 85 volunteer programmers who span ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Together they weave the fabric of our musical program schedule; everything from Cajun mouth harp to one hundred-piece orchestras, old school hip hop on vinyl to the newest electronic dance on .mp3. Under the creative and nurturing guidance of our Program Director Crystal Bunch, KZMU DJs provide the soundtrack to your work day, your weekends, and your adventures.

Sprinkled in with our eclectic music shows are our engaging, diverse and educational public affairs programs. Mondays from 4pm – 6pm are the place for conversation on KZMU. Local volunteer hosts bring discussions around the latest civics issues, arts, outdoor recreation, books, history, culinary delights and more to the airwaves! See all our Public Affairs programs here.

When you tune in at 6 PM on weekdays you’ll now be treated to a diverse array of local, regional, and national programming to supplement your evening. Instead of a second helping of Democracy Now (which you can still catch every weekday morning at 8 AM) You’ll now hear curated programming featuring deep dive musical conversations, engaging interviews with scientists, and pieces from sister stations across the West. Your evenings just got a whole lot more interesting. This change was made with community feedback and after years of careful consideration and represent your dollars, and feedback, at work!

Lift Up is back for a second season! Season 2 of this storytelling project will elevate LGBTQ+ voices in the high desert. This KZMU series intends to deepen understanding and empathy within our community and reinforce a sense of safety and belonging for all. Season 1 of this project was recognized with the prestigious regional award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Edward R. Murrow Awards. While you enjoy new episodes, you can catch up on all episodes from Season 1 here.

KZMU is thrilled to welcome Emily Arntsen to the KZMU News Department. Emily is a journalist living in Moab, Utah and she brings a keen ear and curious mind to the news team high atop Rocky Road. Hear Emily and KZMU’s intrepid News and Public Affairs Director Molly Marcello weekdays at noon and 6 PM.

Those are just a few of the amazing things happening at your local community radio station. Your generosity has gotten us so far, through the scrappy early “Trailer Dayz,” through the frightful years after the loss of CPB funds, and most recently through a global pandemic. Thank you, in advance, for your continued generosity during this Spring’s Radiothon.

Serah Mead
KZMU Executive Director / General Manger

KZMU is hiring an Executive Director / General Manager!

February 6, 2023 | By Admin

Job Summary:

KZMU is seeking a detail-oriented, resourceful, and passionate leader to join the KZMU team high atop Rocky Road in Moab, Utah. The Executive Director/General Manager oversees all day to day operations at KZMU. They supervise all departments including the News and Public Affairs Department, the Music Department (which also manages all volunteers), Engineering, and Accounting. The ED/GM is the primary liaison between the Board of Trustees and the staff of KZMU and is responsible for keeping KZMU legal and up to date within FCC, IRS, and DMCA guidelines. The ED/GM is responsible for creating and adhering to the annual budget and is the primary grant writer and administrator, fundraising coordinator, and underwriting administrator. The position is based in Moab, Utah and requires the ability to be flexible in the work schedule during certain times of the year.

The salary for this position starts at $45,500. KZMU provides at least a 2% COLA at the start of each Fiscal Year (January) provided the operating budget allows. KZMU provides an annual Health & Wellness Stipend, paid vacation in addition to four floating holidays and federal holidays, paid sick, maternity, and medical leave.

 

Sound like you?! Scroll for details on how to apply!

Application deadline: March 15th, 2023 
Start date: April 3rd, 2023 or sooner
Reports to: KZMU Board of Trustees
Terms: Full Time, 4 day work week or 32 hours/week  
Starting Salary: $45,500

 

Job Summary:

KZMU is seeking a detail-oriented, resourceful, and passionate leader to join the KZMU team high atop Rocky Road in Moab, Utah. The Executive Director/General Manager oversees all day to day operations at KZMU. They supervise all departments including the News and Public Affairs Department, the Music Department (which also manages all volunteers), Engineering, and Accounting. The ED/GM is the primary liaison between the Board of Trustees and the staff of KZMU and is responsible for keeping KZMU legal and up to date within FCC, IRS, and DMCA guidelines. The ED/GM is responsible for creating and adhering to the annual budget and is the primary grant writer and administrator, fundraising coordinator, and underwriting administrator. The position is based in Moab, Utah and requires the ability to be flexible in the work schedule during certain times of the year.

The salary for this position starts at $45,500. KZMU provides at least a 2% COLA at the start of each Fiscal Year (January) provided the operating budget allows. KZMU provides an annual Health & Wellness Stipend, paid vacation in addition to four floating holidays and federal holidays, paid sick, maternity, and medical leave.

About KZMU: 

KZMU Moab Community Radio is a noncommercial, independent community radio station primarily serving Moab and Grand County. However our FM signal reaches north to Green River, UT, west to Ghost Rock, UT, south to Monticello, UT, and east just past the Colorado state line. Many many more people listen online from all over the world. KZMU is a grassroots radio station with more than 85 volunteer DJs who program self-selected music programming from 9 am to 11 PM. KZMU is proud to have an in-house news department that is the only source for daily local news (Monday – Friday) in our area. KZMU is not an NPR affiliate station and is not supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The station is a member of the National Federation for Community Broadcasters, Rocky Mountain Community Radio Coalition, and Pacifica Foundation.

ED/GM Responsibilities:

  • Day to Day Operations
    • Responsible for the planning, organizing, and directing of the organization’s operations and programs, including budget development and oversight.
    • Provides leadership to and manages the efforts of site staff to ensure appropriate support of all departments.
    • Oversee facilities and property
    • Ensure FCC licensure and legal compliance
    • Participate in regional and national cohort calls (ie: National Federation of Community Broadcasters, Rocky Mountain Community Radio, Public Media for All, Pacifica Foundation, etc)
  • Donor Recruitment + Fundraising 
    • Organize and managing bi-annual fundraisers (Radiothons)
    • Act as the station’s primary grant administrator
  • Underwriting*
    • Manage advertiser underwriting program with the assistance of Office Administrator
    • *Underwriting refers to paid announcements from sponsors, i.e. the non-commercial equivalent of a radio ad. 
  • Board and Community Engagement
    • Responsible for coordinating special events, corresponding with members/supporters, and periodically gathering community input on programming
    • Coordinate monthly Board of Trustee meetings and  serve as the liaison between the Board and staff. 
    • Coordinate special events 
    • Correspond with supporters/members of the public (phone, letter, e-mail)

    Essential Core Competencies: Clear and accurate written and verbal communication, highly organized, ability to develop and execute long-term strategic goals, personnel management, fundraising and development, ability to work independently and in a team, and deep understanding of rural communities and the nonprofit sector. 

    Expectations:  

    In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

    • Perform quality work within deadlines without direct supervision
    • Interact professionally with staff, donors, volunteers, listeners, underwriters, subcontractors, etc.
    • Work independently, and collaboratively, understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with staff, Trustees, community partners. etc.
    • Set and meet deadlines and complete assigned duties on time
    • Responsive to constructive feedback

    Qualifications:

    • At least 2 years of experience in personnel management of any kind
    • Familiarity with the nonprofit sector, primarily grant writing and fundraising
    • Demonstrated commitment and passion for public media
    • Understanding and appreciation of rural communities
    • Demonstrated ability to write for radio, the web, and social media
    • Working knowledge of broadcast equipment is preferred
    • A curious mind
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
    • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks
    • Computer literacy:
      • Audacity, or similar audio editing software
      • G Suite
      • WordPress
      • Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)
      • Basic folder organization and navigation for Windows PC

    How to Apply: 
    Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to KZMU’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Neal Clark at join@kzmu.org. All applications will be reviewed by a hiring committee comprised of trustees, a member of KZMU staff, and a member of the local public. The submission window is open; the position is open until filled.

    What Else You Should Know:

    KZMU is an equal opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from the communities we broadcast to. We especially encourage people who are Indigenous, people of color, people from rural communities, LGBQ people, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. Experience in broadcast journalism, community radio, and local media is a plus.

    It’s Radiothon time! October 7th – 15th

    September 23, 2022 | By Admin

    As the cooler weather brings relief from the hot summer, the staff and crew at KZMU are gearing up for another Radiothon! This Fall’s membership drive starts October 7th and continues through the 15th. In addition to all your favorite DJs bringing you themed shows and positive energy, we’re thrilled to bring several brand new DJs and their musical tastes to your ears. Check out our program schedule for the full line up of amazing music shows, independent journalism, and more.

    DONATE NOW

    April 2nd marked the 30th anniversary of broadcasting in Southeastern Utah. 30 years ago, KZMU was born in a single wide National Parks Service cast-off trailer that was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. You can catch some wonderful archival stories of our 30 year journey over the air and on the website – look for our 30th Ever Radio Revue episodes, produced by Christy Williams. 

    KZMU News

    KZMU News, our daily in-house newscast, continues to partner with regional sister stations through stand-alone media partnerships and through the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition. These partnerships enable mutual sharing of stories and content to deepen the impact of these small newsrooms in the 4 corners region. As of this September, we now have a sturdy News Department with two full time journalists, Molly Marcello, our News and Public Affairs Director, and Justin Higginbottom, our Reporter. This is some significant growth in a department that, 4 years ago, didn’t exist.

    KZMU News has won two journalism awards this year! We won the prestigious regional Edward R. Murrow award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with our Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility series. We also won first place at the Public Media Journalist Association Awards in our division for Long Form Documentary with our feature Welcome to Moab: A Service Story. Out of 1,500 entries, 221 awards were presented to 101 organizations at the PMJA Awards. The awards recognize the best work in public media journalism from across the country.

    Donate to Radiothon and support KZMU News

    Radio Play Festival

    In our 7th presenting year of the annual KZMU Radio Play, we decided to change the format to be more inclusive and increase access for those interested in the art of radio theater. Our first step was to host a free Radio Theater Workshop sponsored by the MARC and Moonflower Coop. Nearly 30 people were in attendance. We then adopted the tried and true model of amateur film festivals and put a call out for community members to create their own 5 minute radio plays.

    We received 9 submissions and presented all of them at our Radio Play Festival held on April 9th in front of a live, small, but enthusiastic, audience at Star Hall. This year we were able to provide each team with a small honorarium for their creativity, time, and energy and were also able to pay workshop instructors, stage manager, and an assistant producer. This shows significant growth in the project and we’re thrilled that we can not only be more inclusive, but also be more equitable with participants and support teams.

    We’re excited to produce another Radio Play Festival in the spring!

    Donate and support Radio Theater in Moab!

     Partnership with Green River Epicenter

    This year we were proud to partner with the Epicenter in Green River by airing two special broadcasts.

    The first featured the acclaimed author and podcast host Ken Layne with a live airing of Desert Oracle Radio. As part of Ken’s visit to high desert/canyon country he made an appearance at KZMU’s 30th birthday bash and then promptly headed up tot he studio for a live performance of his bi-weekly-ish podcast. Local artist and musician Jon Gottschalk provided live guitar accompaniment for the evening.

    Our second partnership with Green River’s Epicenter featured renowned guitarist William Tyler for his Frontier Fellowship special entitled Twilight Zephyr. Inspired by AM radio, wind, trains, and big night skies, William created an audio magazine of sorts around those very themes. Listen : Twilight Zephyr.

    Ken Layne at KZMU during a live recording and broadcast of Desert Oracle Radio.
    William Tyler at KZMU during the broadcast of Twilight Zephyr.

    Looking Forward

    KZMU staff, board, volunteers, and donors gather for a photo just moments after we hit our Spring Radiothon goal!
    The Trading Post was a beloved program on KZMU hosted by Doni and Fast Eddie. Catch their story, and more on our 30th Ever Radio Revue.

    As we look forward into the next three decades of broadcasting we are at the beginning stages of strategizing a capital campaign which will reflect the fact that KZMU is so much more than a radio station. Led by trustees the campaign is focused on bringing KZMU more to the forefront of our downtown community, in a way that also provides for multi-media needs, fosters creative connections, and is a hub for collaboration with other community organizations.

    There is rarely a dull moment in community radio and KZMU is no exception. This past year has brought local, regional, and national recognition and awards while we’ve served our community members in new and meaningful ways. We have plenty of room to grow and improve; from meeting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals to literally making room for more people to work inside the station. Your continued support remains fundamental in our efforts to be the best we can be.

    Thank you for your generous support to Moab Community Radio!

    KZMU receives prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow award!

    May 13, 2022 | By Admin

    KZMU is honored to receive a prestigious award for our five-part mini-series, Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility, featuring non-narrated audio portraits of LGBTQ+ locals. We created this project in the wake of a double homicide of a local queer couple in our area. Our aim was to deepen understanding and empathy within our community and reinforce a sense of belonging.

    The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news, honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism since 1971. KZMU’s Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility mini-series won the regional award in the category ‘Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.’ This category honors outstanding advocacy journalism and storytelling that brings awareness and dialogue to an issue.

    The violent deaths of two members of our local queer community caused many in our community to feel pain and experience trauma. KZMU responded to the need to widen the lens on the queer experience in Moab by elevating and sharing voices and stories from LGBTQ+ community members on our airwaves. We are honored to have done so, and honored by this recognition. 

    We are so proud of and humbled by the storytellers in this mini-series who shared their experiences of being queer in rural Utah. We thank Laura DeFrain, Nicole Croke, Sam Van Wetter, Sallie Hodges, Sylvia Bentley and Matthew A. Jonassaint. Thank you for sharing moments of radical queer joy to help our community heal. As storyteller Sam put it, “the desert is gay as hell.” 

    This project was done on a shoestring budget, with help from grants from WabiSabi and the Grand County Economic Development Department. Credit is due to editor/producer Serah Mead, interviewer Ginger Allen, producer Molly Marcello, and listener C. White for getting this project off the ground and onto the airwaves. 

     

    Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility was made of, by, and for our community and we are humbled and inspired at its reception and impact. To listen to our storytellers, find Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility on our website: KZMU.ORG/LIFT-UP. We recognize that there is always work to be done to increase empathy and understanding of marginalized communities. To take direct action in this regard, we are continuing the Lift Up series with the intention of elevating voices and stories of more underrepresented groups  in our community and the intersections therein. If you’d like to be involved with the project, as a subject, producer, or otherwise, please reach out to Serah Mead, serah@kzmu.org.

    More on the Award, the Category, and the KZMU Entry 

    The Award: 

    The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news.The Murrow Awards are the embodiment of the values, principles and standards set forth by Edward R. Murrow, a journalism pioneer who set the standards for the highest quality of broadcast journalism.

    The Radio Television Digital News Association has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of broadcast and digital journalism.

     …

    Regional Murrow Awards are presented to small and large radio, television and digital outlets based on 14 geographic regions. Regional winners are automatically considered for a National award. 

    –Radio, Television, Digital News Association

     The Category: Excellence In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion

    This category honors outstanding advocacy journalism tackling the topic of diversity, racial injustice and/or inequality. The storytelling must bring an awareness to an issue(s) and potentially bring about a solution or dialogue.

     KZMU’s entry: Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility

    Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility is a mini-series of non-narrated audio portraits created in the wake of, and to supplement our news coverage of, a double homicide of a queer couple in our area. Amidst a flurry of reporting steeped in tragedy, violence, homophobia, and trauma, KZMU responded to the need to widen the lens on the queer experience in our community. This is, we feel, what made this series different from other media coverage, regional, and statewide coverage of the event. 

     This project is important for the underrepresented members of our community and demographic majorities alike for the same reason: “When people hear stories that feel representative, it creates a vehicle for nuanced conversations, which are what truly drive change. Stories invite perspective taking: the concept of standing in someone else’s shoes and imagining what it’s like to be them. It’s a drastically underutilized inclusion tool.” – Seleca Rezvani and Stacey A. Gordon from the article entitled How sharing Our Stories Builds Inclusion. Our intention with elevating and sharing voices and stories from LGBTQ+ community members over our airwaves is to deepen understanding and empathy within our community and reinforce a sense of belonging.

    We intentionally aired these pieces as long-form, non-narrated stories in an effort to preserve the interviewees’ lived experiences. Acting as cultural snapshots of being queer in rural Utah, these stories speak to the complexities of the current moment in the wake of a local tragedy, and will be added to an enduring tapestry of life in Moab. Our submission features four interviewees in three separate interviews. We’ve included both the intro we used to introduce the mini-series, as well as the intro we used to culminate the project. Each interview is separated by a short musical interlude, music that was featured in the broadcasted pieces. 

     For listener C. White of Moab, Utah, listening to the Lift Up: LGBTQ+ Visibility series was “like sitting in the living room with a person and really getting a sense of their heart.” These pieces provided a unique opportunity for community members to share an intimate experience with someone they might otherwise have no connection to, or someone whose views and lived reality they distrust or even disagree with completely. Through the medium of public broadcasting there is an inherent safe place for sharing and receiving these stories, which increases their impact and opportunities for empathy, engaging conversations, and meaningful change. Thank you for your consideration and we hope you enjoy listening to our series.

    KZMU Presents: the 2022 Radio Play Festival

    February 1, 2022 | By Admin

    As we enter our 30th year, KZMU is approaching our annual radio play a little differently. This will be our 7th year presenting live, local, radio theater and in the spirit of auspicious celebration, we’ve got something special planned. 

    Instead of writing, producing, and presenting a single radio play with a designated cast and crew, we’re adapting the classic amateur film festival model to allow multiple teams of community members, both local and regional, to create and produce short radio play vignettes. COVID-permitting, these vignettes will be played in front of a live audience, with accompanying live Q&A panels and specially designed visuals. We are really leaning into the radio element of this and emphasizing the engagement of the imagination of the mind and to that end, there will be some visual components of the event, but little to no live acting.

    The live event will take place at Star Hall on Saturday, April 9th. In the months leading up to that, KZMU will be offering radio play workshops for both adults and students. 

    Click Here for Radio Play Festival Registration

    KZMU’s 2022 Radio Play Festival requires no experience and no professional equipment! There are no auditions and teams can be made up of any amount of people – even if it’s just one! This unique format will allow for more accessibility and diversity and for some true radio magic to happen!

    Sound like something you want to try? Here are the details you need to know:

    • Not sure how to start? KZMU will offer a free community workshop at the end of February. Stay tuned for details;
    • Registration for teams opens February 1st and closes March 15th, 2022. Final pieces will be due to KZMU by Friday March 25th. Look for the registration link at kzmu.org;
    • A “team” is defined as any one person or group of people committed to submitting a 5-7 minute finished audio theater piece;
    • To qualify as an entry, pieces must adhere to FCC regulations and be appropriate for a wide range of ages. More details will be available at registration link;
    • Entries must also include Foley (hand-made sound effects) and at least one voice. They may also include produced sound effects and original (or copyright-free) music; 
    • Teams will be granted a stipend for production;
    • Teams will have access to professional editing and recording equipment from KZMU;
    • Teams can reserve time with KZMU staff for production support


    Whether you want to participate as a team or simply sit back and enjoy some highly creative audio theater, there is a lot to look forward to. Want to get a head start? Contact serah@kzmu.org or call 435-259-8824.

    The Artist Speaks: The Raging Nathans

    December 7, 2021 | By Admin

    KZMU’s Music Director interviews Josh from The Raging Nathans. The Raging Nathans is a punk band from Dayton, Ohio. The topic of the conversation was their new album, Wasting My Heart. Josh also talked about future releases, how the band formed, and what we can expect from the band next.

    KZMU Public Affairs · The Artist Speaks: The Raging Nathans

    The Artist Speaks: SOJA

    November 2, 2021 | By Admin

    Music Director Crystal Bunch chats virtually with SOJA’s lead vocalist Jacob Hemphill. SOJA’s newly released Beauty in the Silence was the topic of the conversation. Also discussed was Jacob’s favorite tracks and how the covid pandemic affected the production of the album. 

     

    KZMU Public Affairs · The Artist Speaks: SOJA

    KZMU partners with MVMC for Palabra del Dia leading up with Dia de los Muertos

    October 25, 2021 | By Admin

    To celebrate Dia de los Muertos, KZMU partnered with the Moab Valley Multicultural Center’s Dia de los Muertos BEACON Afterschool club to record some very special words! We are incredibly proud of this partnership, and honored to have the ability to broadcast Spanish words voiced by very young kiddos in our community.

    This round of words features two bonus recordings airing on Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st – so be sure to tune in over the weekend! We are thankful for the help of Rachel, Bradia, and the entire team at MVMC and BEACON. Special thanks to the youth who participated: Daniel Fryer, Gael Carpio, Graham Thomas, Javier Ordonez, Leo Chaires, Sophia Knurbin, Stryder Greenhalgh, and the amazing Eliana who is featured on every recording. 

    The MVMC invites you to attend this year’s celebration of Day of the Dead, on Sunday, October 31st from 1-5. There will be a live mariachi band, authentic cuisine, and many activities. Feel free to bring a photo of a loved one who passed to contribute to our community altar. Please practice social distancing and have a mask on hand. 

    Word of the Day with Jamie Carter’s 5th grade class

    October 1, 2021 | By Admin

    The staff at KZMU are thrilled to be able to welcome 5th and 6th graders back into our studio after a year of remotely recording the Word of the Day. Jamie Carter’s 5th grade class at HMK Elementary kicks off this new round of words!

    KZMU wants to thank the following people and foundations for their support of youth programming at KZMU: Tana Kincaid (our wordsmith), the Val A. Browning Foundation and WabiSabi Moab.

    We also want to extend a huge thank you to the teachers and students of the 5th and 6th grade classes at HMK and the Charter School in 2020 – your ability to adapt is admirable and we’re grateful for your partnership and participation!