When I joined up with CHIRP Radio in 2007, we didn’t have a radio station yet — it was just an idea, a plan that we thought we could pull off if we got everything right. We had to figure out our way, but we always knew we were building a truly independent radio station, one that would belong directly to the community of people who believed in it and made it happen.

Today, we not only have a successful, award-winning, amazing-to-listen-to streaming station at chirpradio.org — we're about to join the ranks of the broadcast community in Chicago. CHIRP Radio is putting up an FM tower at 107.1.

This is huge for Chicago, for music fans, for people who care about independent media, for anyone who thinks that radio is fading away. CHIRP Radio is growing. We have a diverse group of DJs who play the music that they’re most passionate about, the kinds of music you won’t hear on any other station in Chicago — or anywhere, for that matter. We play incredible artists from our own city that the big guys on the radio dial don't even know about yet. We give away tickets to amazing shows on a daily basis. Our listeners tell us again and again how much they love the way we take chances with our programming and surprise them with what we play. This isn't soulless, computer-generated playlist algorithms; CHIRP is the sound of real, live human beings sharing songs that mean something to them — a vanishing phenomenon these days, but one worth keeping around.

Now, as we look to bring that same approach to the airwaves of Chicago, we need help from you, our community. The very strengths that make CHIRP great — the independent approach, the community focus, the total lack of annoying commercials — means that we rely on our listeners to help keep CHIRP growing, to reach this next level. We're excited about all that comes with a spot on the FM radio dial, but we can't get there without your help. During this fall fundraising drive, I hope you'll show your support for CHIRP at whatever level fits your budget. If you believe in this station, if CHIRP means something special to you, then you already know that it's up to all of us to sustain it. Your support keeps CHIRP truly independent.

See you at 107.1!

CHIRP is a listener-supported radio station -- your gifts make everything we do possible!  Please make a special gift supporting our fall fundraising campaign today so we can continue to bring you great music and events -- and you'll help us launch our broadcast at 107.1FM.

If you would like to make a recurring donation or select a fall campaign thank you gift, please visit CHIRP’s main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget the enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift!)