What Is WFMU?

Updated

WFMU is an independent, freeform radio station broadcasting at 91.1 FM in New York and 90.1 FM in the Hudson Valley, with extensive online offerings. It is listener-supported and non-commercial, which shapes both what it airs and how it stays on the air.

Broadcast and Online Presence

WFMU describes itself as "an independent freeform station" with two terrestrial frequencies plus "gobs and gobs of online offerings." The site lists multiple live audio streams, including a pop-up player and 128k and 32k MP3 options, along with stream help for troubleshooting.

Beyond the main signal, WFMU operates additional online streams:

  • Rock'n'Soul Radio — with its own schedule
  • Give the Drummer Radio — with its own schedule
  • Sheena's Jungle Room — with its own schedule

Programming and Archives

The station publishes a program schedule, program listings, and upcoming special programs. Most shows leave behind material you can revisit:

  • Weekly program archives and special program archives
  • Playlists tied to individual programs
  • Podcasts
  • DJ homepages for individual hosts

Recently added archives and playlists are listed on the site with dates and show names, and each entry typically offers an MP3 download and a pop-up player. There is also a "Music Only" option for some archives, which strips out talk segments.

How It's Funded

WFMU is listener-supported. The site's main calls to action are Donate Now and buying WFMU swag from its store. It also accepts donated cars, old LPs, and other items, and solicits volunteers.

Its major fundraiser is the Year End fund drive, known as The Hellraiser, held every October. According to the site, it is an off-air fundraiser conducted mostly by internet and mail, rather than a heavily promoted on-air event.

Getting Involved or Staying Informed

If you want to go beyond listening, the site offers several entry points:

  • Sign up for the monthly newsletter
  • Join the mailing list or browse the e-mail directory
  • Volunteer or apply to work at the station
  • Send music for consideration
  • Attend the annual Record Fair or events at Monty Hall, WFMU's venue
  • Read LCD, the station's zine/program guide, and the FAQ

WFMU also maintains a presence on BlueSky, Mastodon, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, and TuneIn.

In short, WFMU is a freeform, non-commercial station you can hear on two FM frequencies or through a range of online streams, with a deep archive of past shows and playlists — and it stays running through listener donations rather than advertising.