Founded in early 2017, KRSM. The Southside Media Project is a brand new Low-Power FM (LPFM) radio station located in, build specifically for, and developed in collaboration with the communities of South Minneapolis. LPFM stations broadcast at only 100 watts, so the signal will reach an area roughly 5 miles in each direction...community radio at its most community.
Working with a coalition of neighbors and nonprofits, our station serves as a tool for sharing news, music, storytelling, debate, and public health/safety announcements with this densely-populated, ethnically diverse area. But were not just interested in broadcasting out to the community, we want to invite them in. With recording equipment available for loan, free media skills training classes, and 3 computer labs outfitted with audio editing software, we will give community members everything they need to share their stories, cultures, and collective concerns in their own voices. Programming is multilingual and authentic, a representation of the many diverse communities that share South Minneapolis.
LPFM is a transformative tool that allows neighbors to build their own unfiltered information distribution networks and allows stories to be told in a way that empowers communities without perpetuating stereotypes or excluding traditionally marginalized voices. It also allows neighborhoods to address specific challenges in their communities and respond quickly to local emergencies.
This project teaches transferable work skills, fosters pride in self and community, encourages cross-cultural dialogue, shares health and safety information in multiple languages, and creates an outlet for local artists to share their gifts with a large, diverse audience.