3. According to your view, what are the most distinctive features of WFMU, as opposed to other radio stations (both commercial and non-profit)?

WFMU’s programming sets it apart from commercial stations in the U.S., which are very repetitive and play only artists that are on major labels with big promotional budgets. We are a freeform station, which means our DJs have full control over the programming instead of the station dictating a pre-determined playlist. All of our DJs are volunteers, they are at WFMU because they have a deep love for music and all are very knowledgeable. WFMU is a radio station run by music nerds!

Some non-profit radio stations in the U.S. are very centered around news and politics, areas that WFMU avoids. Many college stations in the U.S. can sound homogenous because they have pre-determined playlists for the DJs instead of subscribing to the idea of freeform. Although non-profit stations can be diverse, many suffer from segmentation: they have a lesbian hour, and then a soul program, and then a show about housing issues, but each of these groups are so busy serving their own interests, that they do not communicate with each other and the identity and unity of the station as a whole is lost. Thankfully, WFMU DJs have a broadened approach to acceptance and there is a common understanding instead of animosity and arguing.

Also important to understanding WFMU is that we are independent. We are not a college station (though we used to be), and we are mainly listener-supported. We have a special responsibility to our listeners because they keep us alive year after year, and we do not accept underwriting or corporate sponsorships. Our annual fundraiser is coming up March 1-14.