I recently quit using Spotify when I learned that its former CEO, Daniel Ek, had major investments in AI weapons manufacturing. As if I needed another reason, I later learned that the company had been streaming ICE recruitment ads.
If you’re also looking to cut ties to the corporate media machine while supporting independent artists, join me in tuning in to UC Independent Media Center’s own WRFU Radio Free Urbana 104.5 FM. In between shows, the station rotates an upbeat mix of local to global independent artists.
No tuner? No problem! Listen live or tune into past shows at wrfu.net.
While you can listen to syndicated shows like Democracy Now! (weekdays at 9 am), Food Labels Revealed, Audio Interference, and Kite Line Radio (Friday 5:30 pm), the bulk of the shows are produced by community members. Chuck Simpson describes East to West (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4–4:30 pm) as a mix of discussion and music fostering hope through love for each other. CU Immigration (Monday 7–8 pm) discusses culture, diversity, and the concerns of immigrants in and around Champaign County.
There are also several multilingual and international shows on WRFU! Be’i bal eb jich mam (Monday 6–7 pm) is a Q’anjob’al (indigenous language of Guatemala and parts of Mexico) language show featuring Marimba music, commentary around local issues, and occasional guests. La Hora Latina broadcasts Saturdays at 6 pm. And Mugiko and her co-hosts produce the Harukana Show (Friday 6 pm) live from the US, Japan, and around the world.
A staple of the station is the After Work Drive Show with the Station Manager DJ BJ Clark (Tuesday, Thursday 5–7 pm). The positive, energetic show is a venue for local artists to get their music out into the community. Jenell, host of Ladies First (Tuesday 8–9:30 pm), describes her show as “Full of love and smooth as R&B, with a touch of hip-hop.” Slug Time (Wednesday 5 pm) plays music that evokes a state of restfulness and creativity.
WannaBe Cafe (Thursday 7–9 pm) is a table discussion between the host, George, and various co-hosts focusing on building a mutual community. Jenell interviews artists, event organizers, and local businesspeople on The Spotlight (Friday 8–9:30 pm). Blues Before Sunrise (Sunday 12 am) and Ray Morales’s The Show (Friday 10 pm) fill the night hours, while Teklil ironically hosts Not a Morning Person in the morning (Saturday 9–11 am). Two pillars of the community host radio shows on Saturday afternoon: Ms. Marilyn Cleveland (2–3 pm) and Dr. Rev. Evelyn Underwood (4–5pm).
To see the full list of shows visit this page.
If you see something missing from the list, you can learn how to host your own show here.
Jane McClintock is a long-time Urbana resident. Jane currently serves on the board of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center and on the Champaign County ACLU Steering Committee.