KTDT-LP

KTDT-LP is a low-power FM radio station on 99.1 FM in Tucson, Arizona. The station was founded by Jason LeValley and is better known as Downtown Radio. It is owned and operated by LPFM Downtown Tucson, a non-profit LLC that LeValley formed in order to start the station. The station format is rock Monday through Saturday and other genres, including talk, on Sunday. The purpose of the station is to provide an alternative to corporate radio and DJs have been directed to play songs that aren't typically played on corporate stations. LeValley served as the executive director from its launch date of September 13, 2015, to December 30, 2019.[1]

KTDT-LP
CityTucson, Arizona
Frequency99.1 MHz
BrandingDowntown Radio
SloganTucson's Underground Community Station
Programming
FormatCommunity Radio, Underground rock
Ownership
OwnerLPFM Downtown Tucson
History
First air date
September 2015
Call sign meaning
TDT, Tucson, Downtown
Technical information
Facility ID192159
ClassL1
ERP50 watts
HAAT-51 meters
Transmitter coordinates
33°13′38.1″N 110°58′22.5″W
Links
WebcastListen Live at downtownradio/Listen.fm
Websitedowntownradio.org

History

On March 13, 2013, LPFM Downtown Tucson became a legal entity, as recognized by the Arizona Corporation Commission. On November 3, 2014, KTDT-LP was granted its original construction permit, having managed to avoid a time-share situation with stations from the Tohono O'odham Nation and a Spanish language church called Iglesia Centro de Sanidad.[2] A critical element for the station to get on air, the studio facilities, was donated by Sinfonía HealthCare.[3] The station came to air in September 2015.[4] It broadcasts rock music and a Sunday lineup of specialty programs.[5] The station has been broadcasting from a location in the basement of the Steinfeld Warehouse since 2018.

Programming

KTDT plays an eclectic mix of primarily rock-related genres, including those from independent artists, local bands and artists, and bands/musicians on major labels.

The styles of rock played vary and range from (but not limited to) rock & roll, college rock, punk rock, indie rock/alternative, underground rock, electronic rock, and hard rock/heavy metal. In addition, there are many specialty shows (mostly on weeknights and weekends) which focus on particular genres.[6]

Additionally, there is a mental health component to the station's programming. Since its inception, the station has dedicated an hour each Sunday to address mental health issues with the goal of reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental and emotional health problems. The Depression Session, hosted by Laura Milkins, ran from November 22, 2015 through November 26th, 2018. Other mental health shows that have aired or are airing include Let's Talk About Mental Health, Mental Health Connection, and Heavy Mental.

Funding

KTDT is a non-profit organization that operates under the corporation name LPFM Downtown Tucson and is designated as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission website.[7]

Per its non-profit status, and due to FCC and grant regulations, KTDT doesn't air traditional radio commercials. Instead, KTDT's disc jockeys read or play recordings of underwriting spots that highlight the underwriters' businesses/events.[8] The disc jockeys also share public service announcements that feature Tucson's local non-profits and their initiatives/events.[9]

According to its website, “Community support is essential to Downtown Radio’s ability to continue entertaining and serving the community.” Memberships range from one-time gifts in any amount to monthly sustaining memberships in any amount.[10]

KTDT's Tucson Weekly Best of Tucson Awards

KTDT won Tucson Weekly's Best of Tucson awards for Best New Radio Station for 2016.[11]

References
  1. About Downtown Radio
  2. Brimmer, Simon (2015-02-10). "Downtown Radio Ready to Flip the Switch on LPFM Project". Downtown Tucson Partnership. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  3. Higgins, Spencer Higgins / Arizona Sonora News (2015-03-30). "Low-power FM radio stations about to air throughout Arizona – Arizona Sonora News Service". Arizona Sonora News Service. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  4. "Staff Pick: Best New Radio Station". Tucson Weekly. 2016. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  5. Allis, Brad (2016-01-22). "Music lovers drive downtown radio station". Inside Tucson Business. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  6. KTDT's DJs and Shows page
  7. Arizona Corporation Commission website
  8. KTDT Underwriting
  9. KTDT PSA Submission page
  10. Donate to KTDT
  11. Best of Tucson 2016
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