Mission
To promote cultural diversity and pluralistic community expression.
To contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors.
To promote freedom of the press and serve as a forum for various viewpoints.
To maintain an independent funding base.
A Brief History
Founded in 1949 by Lewis Hill, a pacifist, poet, and journalist, KPFA was the first community supported radio station in the USA. KPFA broadcasts on 94.1 FM and KPFB 89.3 FM, Berkeley, KFCF 88.1 FM, Fresno, California and 97.5 FM K248BR in Santa Cruz. Our signal reaches one-third of the state, utilizing 59,000 watts. Much of our programming is local, original and eclectic, with a well-produced mix of news and in depth public affairs, an ongoing drama, literature and performance series, interviews, and reviews. Our music ranges from folk to hip hop, Bach to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. We travel the region to broadcast live music, demonstrations, and cultural events. The majority of our staff are unpaid community volunteers donating their time and energy to bring you our programming.
Learn more about the History of KPFA
94.1, KPFA is a community powered radio station that creates and curates a unique mix of music, informed public affairs, culture, and news. Since 1949, KPFA has investigated the contemporary intersections of class, race, distribution of wealth and it’s affects on the citizens of our Northern and Central California coverage area.
Over the years we’ve advanced the discussions and told the truth about historical moments of political impasse, racial tensions and economic inequality. Our mission and hope is to provide diverse programming that provokes thought and reaction on a complexity of issues for our community of listeners.
Our goal is to disseminate social conditions into understandable terms and strain them through our point of view and provide context and insight to them through interviews, analysis or music.
In other words we speak truth to power and revenue streams are less and less guaranteed for an independent media outlet like us.
Information is not free. At least not the truths we generate. KPFA is community powered, solely supported by listener donations and like-minded foundations.
Please also see the revised and detailed Pacifica Foundation Radio Mission Statement.