Uncover the Stories That Matter on KBCS’s “Making Contact” Program
Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’re a longtime listener, 91.3 KBCS Regional News is committed to bringing you personal life experiences from all angles. That’s why we’re inspiring you with award winning programs like “Making Contact”, a unique blend of storytelling and critical analysis that tackles some of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Each week, we bring you voices from across the globe, sharing stories of real people and the challenges they face. 91.3 KBCS Regional News “Making Contact” is a weekly radio program that delves into social justice issues with depth and compassion. The show goes beyond the surface of the news to find the people whose lives are intertwined with significant social trends and events. From environmental struggles to human rights, “Making Contact” provides not just information, but insight and empathy.
If “Making Contact” has made you think, feel, or take action, consider supporting KBCS. Your donations help keep programs like this on the air and ensure that important stories are heard.
Introducing “This Way Out” Your Window to Global LGBTQ News and Culture
At 91.3 KBCS, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling and the importance of amplifying voices from all corners of the globe. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce “This Way Out”, a pioneering radio magazine that has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ news, culture, and rights for over three decades.
“This Way Out” is more than a radio show; it’s a global voice for the LGBTQ+ community. It shares stories that matter. From the beginning, it has focused on LGBTQ+ issues worldwide, highlighting both struggles and successes.
Whether you’re catching it live or enjoying the encore broadcast, KBCS This Way Out fits seamlessly into your weekly routine, providing an informative and engaging experience that leaves you feeling more connected to the global LGBTQ+ community.
Each episode offers a powerful mix of content. The Global LGBTQ+ News Roundup keeps you informed on the latest headlines, legal changes, and political shifts. You’ll hear interviews with activists, artists, and leaders shaping LGBTQ+ culture. The show also features new films, books, music, and art from LGBTQ+ creators. Historical segments reflect on key moments in the LGBTQ+ movement, reminding us of the journey so far. Special features dive into topics like mental health and intersectionality, offering fresh insights into the challenges faced by the community.
Message From The GM – September 2024
Summers End, Givings Beginnings
Dear friends and supporters of KBCS,
I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering support over the years has been instrumental in our recent accomplishments. For instance, your contributions have enabled us to launch our noon-hour educational programming featuring structured and fact-checked debates, which has been well-received by our listeners. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it has had on our programming. Your support is not just a financial contribution, but a validation of our mission and a testament to its importance. Together, we are working towards a shared goal of providing quality radio programming to our community, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
As the days grow shorter, the cool fall air becomes more invigorating, the trees begin to drop their leaves slowly, and the wild geese begin their annual migration, I want to take this opportunity to update you on some of our recent accomplishments here at KBCS and thank you for your generous support of our outstanding radio programming as we enter this most beautiful harvest season of giving and thankfulness.
Over the past several years, your financial and moral support has been the driving force behind KBCS’s exciting new chapter of growth and possibilities. Your contributions have not only allowed us to upgrade our aging infrastructure but also to fully embrace the advanced technology that defines the transformative digital age of radio broadcasting. Your support is not just integral to our success but also the reason we can continue growing and innovating. You are not just supporters but integral parts of our journey, and your contributions have been the catalyst for our growth and innovation. Your support has made you an integral part of our success story, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Your financial support and other funding sources for KBCS have allowed us to build up a healthy contingency fund into our operating budget. This now allows us to hire additional full-time staff members who will be instrumental in creating more diverse and engaging programming. Your contributions are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they are the lifeblood of our operations. Donations from our loyal listeners and old friends across Puget Sound and beyond comprise over 85% of our yearly operating budget—the most significant and dependable portion of our funding. None of what we do would be possible without the support of our listeners like you. Your contributions are not just appreciated, but they are crucial to our continued success. We hope we can continue to count on your support in the future.
Our annual on-air KBCS fall fundraising campaign begins this Friday, September 20th. It is not just our most important fundraising campaign of the year but a testament to our value in your participation. We eagerly await your involvement, as it is crucial to our success. We can’t wait to celebrate our long friendship with you with special events and new KBCS-branded fall merchandise as a token of our appreciation at various giving levels of your support.
For all our new friends who have recently discovered this community radio gem on the radio, we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership as we continue our focus on building a stronger community by giving a broadcast voice to those who often struggle to be heard, celebrating each other’s cultures and traditions, while continuing to uphold the treasured heritage and culture of the beautiful Pacific Northwest that we are privileged to call home or, for others, our home away from home on the radio.
Thank you for your continued friendship and support of true democracy in action on the air here in the greater Puget Sound for over fifty years. Your past support has been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment to our cause. We could not have come this far without you.
Dana Lee Buckingham,
KBCS General Manager and Executive Producer of News and Public Affairs Programming
Join the Conversations of today with The Thom Hartmann Program – 9AM Monday thru Friday
Thom Hartmann Program
Get involved in today’s critical discussions on the Thom Hartmann program, broadcast LIVE on 91.3FM KBCS HD-1 from 9am to 12noon, Monday through Friday.
As “America’s #1 Progressive Radio Show,” Thom Hartmann delves into a dynamic mix of current topics, including insights on figures like Tim Walz and pivotal events leading up to Election Day 2024, while engaging with callers nationwide. Join Thom Hartmann and his guests, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 12 noon.
Call 202-808-9925 during the Thom Hartmann Program to activate on the conversations of today. Join the conversation in his chatroom. Access the KBCS Audio Archives on the Thom Hartmann Program page to catch up on past discussions and stay informed!
Democracy Now! on KBCS since 1999
Since 1996, Democracy Now! has been a source of independent news with in depth interviews with breaking stories from often unheard voices in mainstream media.
KBCS has been broadcasting Democracy Now! since 1999 on at 8AM Mondays-Fridays.
Be sure to tune in to Democracy Now! on KBCS 91.3 FM HD-1
Please consider making a financial contribution to support KBCS today!
Listen to KBCS Live
Democracy Now
Happy Pride!
KBCS Pride Month feature programs and weekly additions.
KBCS PRIDE Happy 50th Seattle
As Operations Manager, I was proud to schedule some feature LGBTQIA+ programs during our 4am timeslot on Wednesdays through JUNE. Links to the show archives and the actual production pages are available for review and listening below.
WED – June 5th – A Different Kind of Coming Out: A ‘Nancy’ Pride Special
Coming out means taking a risk and sharing something deeply personal with another person. In this hour-long episode of Nancy, the critically acclaimed podcast about the queer experience, hosts Tobin Low and Kathy Tu bring you three stories about different kinds of coming out. We hear from two gay men of different generations about what it’s like to disclose their HIV status, a young woman who tracks down the queer role model she didn’t know she needed, and a young man trying to save his father’s life, even if it means a painful confrontation.
WED – June 12th – America Learn Your History: What Happened Before Stonewall
“America, Learn Your History” began as a popular Instagram series by composer and professor Bobby Wooten. Join us for our first radio special: Stonewall often gets credit for the beginning of the gay liberation movement. But there was an earlier riot, at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco, and it was started by a transwoman. Bobby’s guests include actor Tituss Burgess and historian Dr. Susan Stryker
WED – June 19th – Black, Queer & Free: Living at the intersection of Blackness and Queerness
Stories about the joys – and challenges- of living at the intersection of Blackness and Queerness
WED – June 26th – Beyond Stonewall: From Power to Pride
A conversation with Gary Bailey, Larry Kessler, Sue Katz, Michael Bronski, Stephanie Burt, and Maura Healey about the LGBTQ movement, looking back 50 years to the Stonewall Uprising.
THIS WAY OUT
Be sure to TUNE IN to the weekly broadcast of THIS WAY OUT – LGBTQ News and information Tuesdays at 5am. Excited to have this program in our regular line up for our listeners and the community.
LIVING ON EARTH
And tune in next week, we bring back Living On Earth Wednesdays at 4am on KBCS, the award-winning environmental news program delving into the leading issues affecting the world we inhabit. Hosted by Steve Curwood, Living On Earth.
My apologies, the follow-through on advance notice and marketing is not always timed effectively. KBCS is planning and developi with the upcoming summer and new fiscal year to get ready for the Fall. It is exciting and a challenge.
Bellevue College has opportunities for job positions, a few at KBCSI Please check out BC Opportunities for more information. Thanks to all of our DJ Volunteers and student supporters and campus colleagues.
THANK YOU for all of your support. KBCS is listener supported community radio. If you find value or inspiration in any of our programming, please activate on supporting KBCS today with a financial contribution. https://www.kbcs.fm/donate/
We are rounding the end of our fiscal year TODAY, June 30th. Help us reach our $65,000 goal by the end of this fiscal year.
Thank you again for your listenership and support.
Stay tuned for more from 91.3FM KBCS HD-1, a public service of Bellevue College
Stay proud, stay strong and take care.
– Gregory D’Elia, KBCS Operations Manager
KBCS Featured Program Playlists:
Message From The GM – May 2024
Dear KBCS Supporters and Advocates
The past fiscal year has been an exciting year of change and renewal here at KBCS. We have invested a lot of time and effort in expanding and upgrading our digital broadcast platform offerings to keep abreast of the fast-changing digital technical offerings that are radically transforming broadcasting as we know it. While the technology is changing, our programming philosophy remains true to our educational outreach mission and our cherished tradition of community radio programming. All of this is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you.
- Building a stronger community and transforming lives through increased educational programming offerings:
Your contributions this fiscal year have made it possible to expand our educational and cultural program offerings on KBCS. At a time when our most cherished traditions of democracy, free speech, and our personal freedoms are under attack by highly organized anti-democratic forces, a well informed and educated citizenry is critical to the preservation of our representative democracy. Our new noon hour program lineup now features professionally moderated debates on the major issues of the day as well as two cultural/educational programs on Philosophy and Travel. - Celebrating the great diversity of life in our community through programming that highlights different cultural traditions through traditional folk music offerings:
At the heart of everything we do at KBCS, is our strong belief in helping to build the power of community where our regions mellifluous array of cultural diversity is celebrated and adds to the colorful fabric of life here in the Pacific Northwest. Your ongoing support of our multicultural approach to our music programming strengthens the bonds that unite us through exposure to diverse cultures and traditions via the medium of song and dance music. Your donations make this diverse radio programming of music and life possible.
- Providing alternative programming though our HD2 digital on-air broadcast and online program stream. This expertly curated news and fine arts programming stream is designed to serve a more educated and intellectually curious audience that appreciates hard news that is based on evidence and facts and thoroughly fact checked for accuracy:
World News Radio KBCS HD2 features the live 24-hour broadcast feed from London of the awarded winning and highly trusted BBC World Service as the base programming. This programming is augmented by other independent news and public affairs programs from journalists and producers around the world. Weekday evenings feature syndicated classical and chamber music offerings from some of the most prestigious symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles performing on the world stage today. Sunday evenings feature compelling contemporary and historical radio dramas from LA Theater Works. You can now hear this unique programming streaming online at www.worldnewsradiokbcs.com The generous support of informed listeners like you who appreciate our efforts to be more inclusive without the fear of an anti-intellectualism backlash make this great programing possible.
Looking Ahead:
As we embark on the journey that lies ahead, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our educational and cultural cause. Together we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, creating a brighter, more hopeful future for all.
Get Involved:
There are many ways to continue to support our long-time community broadcasting mission. Whether it’s volunteering your time, spreading the word about our unique programming, or making a generous donation to keep this fifty-year old dream alive, your involvement is vital to our ongoing mission. As this fiscal year winds down, please make as generous contribution to KBCS that you can afford to offset those donors who situations have changed and can no longer afford to contribute to KBCS during this difficult economic time of inflation and high gas prices. You can donate online anytime at www.kbcs.fm.
Thank you:
In closing, all of us at KBCS extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our cherished donors. Your generosity fuels our passion and drives our educational and cultural mission forward. Together, we are truly making a difference.
Warmest regards,
Dana Lee Buckingham
General Manager Community Radio KBCS
Executive Producer of World News Radio KBCS
KBCS Blossoms
May brings more blossoms to KBCS!!
Thanks again for all your support to listener supported, 91.3 KBCS HD-1.
Blossoming Programs at KBCS
This month we have been introducing some new public affairs, educational, informational and news programming to our airwaves. Be sure to check in with these programs live or from the program page archives. These programs blossom to our KBCS line up on 4am and 5am Monday through Friday.
KBCS 4am programs
Series Three: 4am Program updates
Monday – Sojourner Truth – Sojourner Truth brings you news and views on local, national, and international policies and stories that affect us all. We draw out how those of us most impacted – women, communities of color and other communities are responding. We also discuss the inter-relationship between art and politics
Tuesday – CodePink – CODEPINK Radio is an energizing program focused on ending wars and militarism, and building a peace economy. Listen weekly to robust conversation and inspiration from grassroots peacemakers in places like Korea, Yemen, Venezuela and Iran, peacemakers in our nation’s capital who are confronting warhawks in the White House and in Congress, and peacemakers in our communities who are modeling the actions of what a world of peace can look like.
Wednesday – Living On Earth – Living on Earth with Steve Curwood is the weekly environmental news and information program distributed by PRX. Living on Earth shares news, features, interviews and commentary on a broad range of ecological issues.
Thursday – With Good Reason – Scholars explore the worlds of literature, science, the arts, politics, history, and business through lively discussion with host Sarah McConnell. From reparations and global warming, to the unique worlds of comic books and wine-making, With Good Reason is always surprising, challenging and fun.
Friday – Aging Matters – Launched in 2017, AGING MATTERS features individuals with expertise about a broad array of aging related topics. The programs focus is to bring more awareness about aging issues to older adults and their families. Produced in an interview format, guests educate and inform listeners about timely topics that impact the lives of older adults, their care partners, and families.
KBCS 5am programs
Series Four: 5am Program updates
Monday – First Voices Radio – since 1992, “First Voices Radio” has been exploring global topics and issues of critical importance to the preservation and protection of Mother Earth presented in the voices and from the perspective of the original peoples of the world. Hosted by Tiokasin Ghosthorse (LAKOTA)
Tuesday – 5am: This Way Out, the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, featuring a summary of some of the major news events in or affecting the queer community (NewsWrap), in-depth coverage of major events, interviews with key queer figures, plus music, literature, entertainment — all the information and culture of a community on the move!
– 5:30am: WINGS: Womens International News Gathering Service, has been covering the global women’s movement and related issues for community radio worldwide. “Raising Women’s Voices through Radio Worldwide” since 1986
Wednesday – EcoJustice Radio, EcoJustice Radio is a weekly program that presents environmental and climate stories from a social justice frame, featuring voices not necessarily heard on mainstream media, co-hosted by Jessica Aldridge and Carry Kim. We investigate solutions for social, environmental, and climate issues with an eye to advance human health, steward wild landscapes, and solve the climate crisis across the USA and the world. It is a project of the nonprofit environmental organization, SoCal 350 Media, based in Los Angeles.
Thursday – 5am: Making Contact is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program committed to in-depth critical analysis that goes beyond the breaking news. – Ordinary people talk about how public policy affects their daily lives, families and communities, and share positive ways to solve problems.
– 5:30am: Between the Lines presents timely, in-depth analysis featuring progressive perspectives on national and international political, economic and social issues. Includes a five-minute summary of some of the week’s under-reported news stories gathered from the alternative press and other sources. Three in-depth interview segments focusing on significant international, national and regional issues.
Fridays – Possible envisions a future where everything goes right for humanity. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, the broadcast features interviews with visionaries from various fields like climate science and criminal justice. Guests like Trevor Noah and Sam Altman share their insights. A unique aspect is the inclusion of GPT-4, OpenAI’s most advanced AI, providing speculative stories that spark discussions on a hopeful future. Through technology and collective action, Possible explores how we might achieve an ideal world.
Thanks again for all of your support and involvement bringing KBCS into our world, sharing these programs and so much more with others in our community. You can make a financial contribution at our DONATE page! Thank you again for 50 years of listener supported community radio.
Questions and comments please send an email to: listenercomment@kbcs.fm
Thank you again and take care.
Sincerely, Gregory D’Elia – KBCS Operations & Traffic Manager and Assistant Program Director
Help Us Improve the KBCS Website!
A group of students from the University of Washington is partnering with us to work on redesigning the KBCS website to make it more user-friendly and accessible. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey.
KBCS blossoms additional programs!
Spring brings with it fresh beginnings, and KBCS is thrilled to introducing a few new series of educational and cultural programs chosen to inform, educate, and offer a more structured forum for a debate of the prominent issues and topics of the day.
KBCS Springs New Programs
Series One: began a few weeks ago adding programs to the 12 noon to 1pm schedule:
Mondays – Philosophy Talk, a program that challenges listeners to identify and question their assumptions and to think about things in new ways.
Tuesday – The Commonwealth Club of California. For over 90 years, one of the largest and oldest public affairs forums in America, presenting distinguished speakers sharing their experiences and ideas in a nonpartisan forum that strives to bring more balanced viewpoints and a serious commitment to “stick to the facts.”
Wednesday – The City Arts & Lectures Series, features leading figures in the world of arts and ideas in literature, criticism, science, and the performing arts.
Thursday – Open to Debate, seeks to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis on topics of science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs.
Fridays – rounds off the week with Travel with Rick Steves. A cultural program hosted by Pacific Northwest’s Rick Steves, featuring great conversations with special guests and travel experts.
KBCS Noon programming
Series Two: this week KBCS set 7am programs with a repositioning and reinvigorating these programs:
Monday – Alternative Radio – established in 1986, this award-winning weekly one-hour public affairs program provides information, analyses, and views that are frequently ignored or distorted in corporate media. Hosted by David Barsamian.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – Hard Knock Radio – a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show produced in the Bay Area hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
Friday – Yes! presents: Rising Up with Sonali – a weekly program, broadcasting an antidote to the doom and gloom of mainstream news, lifting up solutions that bring us closer to economic, racial, gender, and environmental justice. Hosted by Sonali Kolhatkar.
KBCS 7am programming
Series Three: KBCS updates and introduces new programs for 5am and 4am!
Thanks again for all of your support and involvement bringing KBCS into our world, sharing these programs and so much more with others in our community. You can make a financial contribution at our DONATE page! Thank you again for 50 years of listener supported community radio.
Questions and comments please send an email to: listenercomment@kbcs.fm
Thank you again and take care.
Sincerely, Gregory D’Elia – KBCS Operations & Traffic Manager and Assistant Program Director