Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes: The Creation of KXSF 102.5 FM.
By Anna Armstrong
How One San Francisco Radio Station Fought Back Against Media Consolidation:
Our story begins in 1963 when the University of San Francisco’s comercially-licensed radio station, KUSF 90.3, was founded. KUSF would live a long, rich life, beloved by many, until it was abruptly yanked off the air on the morning of January 18, 2011.
With no warning at all, the radio frequencies on 90.3 FM went silent. The University of San Francisco sold the station to a corporation. DJs at the station were given no notice, and all programming was shut down.
KUSF is just one of the examples of a victim of media consolidation, which is the phenomenon in which more media outlets are being controlled by fewer corporations.
The volunteers at KXSF would not let this sudden setback deter them. Instead, they created an online radio station, first called “Save KUSF” and later called “KUSF in Exile.” From 2011 to 2018, volunteers from the old University of San Francisco station fundraised over $60,000. With this money, they were able to get new call letters, air time, and a space at Lightrail Studios in San Francisco, and thus, KXSF was born.
The creation of KXSF San Francisco Community Radio is an underdog success story. It is the story of a small group of determined volunteers prevailing over the strength of a corporation. Today, KXSF has 86 shows and 150 volunteers. It broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
An Interview With Guillermo Goyri, KXSF Director of Operations
