Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Low Power FM station?
  • Low Power FM is just what is sounds like! It’s an FM radio station that broadcasts (in the US at least) under 100 watts of power. They were introduced in 2000 to provide an alternative to commercial radio stations, which had been gobbled up by media conglomerates in after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 passed. Full power FM stations broadcast anywhere from 100 watts to 320,000 watts (which is a country music station in Michigan owned by iHeartMedia, formerly known as Clear Channel.
• What is a freeform radio station?
  • Freeform is a radio station format where the DJs have control over what music they play (commercial stations give their DJs little to no control over what they play, everything is dictated by corporate). The longest running freeform radio station in the US is the amazing WFMU in New Jersey, a non-commercial station that has been on the air since 1958!
• Are you/when will you be on the air?
  • Not yet! We’ve received all of the go ahead from the FCC to broadcast, now it’s just a matter of raising enough money for a transmitter.
• What kind of music will be played on air?
  • That is up to our DJs– they choose everything they play, and the station doesn’t interfere (as long as songs are FCC compliant). That means DJs can play what they are passionate about, from any year, in any genre.
• Are you a certified nonprofit?
  • Yes we are! We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit, which means donations to us are tax deductible.
• Why do you need donations?
  • Being commercial free we need the funding to keep the lights on and the transmitter transmitting. With no advertising comes nobody telling us what to do except for YOU, the members of the Hideout.
• Where can I donate?
  • We have a donation form right here on our website and also have a Patreon, where you can become a member for as little as five bucks a month. Any amount you can give is gratefully accepted, and every little bit counts. Please consider donating today.
• I have absolutely no experience! Can I still be a DJ?
  • You absolutely can! No experience is necessary, we will train you (we promise, it’s not that hard at all). You just need to bring a positive attitude and a love of music.
• I don’t want to DJ, but I still want to volunteer. What can I do to help out?
  • There are many things that need getting done at the station in addition to being a DJ. Everything is volunteer run, from planing events, tinkering with equipment, maintaining a website, fundraising and much, much more. Even if you don’t have the time or the bandwidth to volunteer, just spreading the word is invaluable and much appreciated.
• Hey, you don’t have a FAQ about my question!
  • Oops, sorry! Send us an email at info@thehideout.fm and we’ll get that question answered ASAP.