New Community radio Station Set to Launch in San Fernando Valley
Burbank, CA – The eastern San Fernando Valley is poised to gain a new voice with the upcoming launch of KPBJ 95.9 FM, a non-commercial, grassroots radio station. Spearheaded by local resident David Bothwell, KPBJ aims to fill a gap in regional media by focusing on hyper-local content and community-driven programming.
Bothwell secured the frequency through a largely uncontested application process, capitalizing on opportunities for smaller stations to operate without interfering with larger commercial broadcasts. The station will serve a pocket of the eastern San Fernando Valley, including neighborhoods like shadow Hills, Sunland-tujunga, and Burbank, offering a platform for diverse perspectives and local voices often absent from mainstream radio. “I really love the idea of sort of creating more local, regional content and community projects and this area I think is really interesting and deserves more attention,” Bothwell said.
KPBJ’s mission is to provide a space for music and talk content on a variety of topics, fostering community engagement and highlighting the unique character of the East Valley. Bothwell envisions the station as a forum for local issues – “someone being like, ‘slow down on Glenoaks!’ or whatever” – and a showcase for the area’s often-overlooked attractions, from quirky scrap yards to backyard carnitas stands.
Currently seeking volunteer audio engineers, hosts, and other contributors, KPBJ is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, September 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight at 2526 Studios,located at 2526 N. Ontario St., Burbank. Bothwell hopes to begin broadcasting by the end of the year, with support from organizations like Common Frequency, which assists grassroots radio stations.