Free Radio Olympia 98.5 FM Direct Action Broadcasting Since 2001!

We recognize that free speech is a right which is denied the people by the federal government as represented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and corporate media groups such as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and its powerful members such as ClearChannel , who maintain a powerful monopoly over media in the United States and have no interest in providing the public with access to the public airwaves.

Free Radio Olympia's goal is to provide information and education to the community by offering diverse content including independent and local music, alternative commentary and news programs, and coverage of local events, none of which are made available by mainstream radio stations. The content and nature of free radio broadcasting is determined by whoever feels the need and desire for expression on the airwaves by participating in Free Radio Olympia, with the only limit to speech being an intolerance of hate speech and threats to individuals. Our community is culturally and politically diverse and our station strives to reflect that diversity. In order for radio to be used effectively as a tool by the community, we feel that community participation is necessary. Free microradio offers the community a means for outreach to communicate, organize, and unify.

We oppose the corporate domination of radio which privatizes what should be a public community service. In addition, we believe that the FCC's recently enacted licensing structure for low-power FM (LPFM) operations have failed to serve the needs of communities due to excessive limitations on licensing and spectrum allocation and the very high cost of FCC type-accepted broadcasting equipment. In the form and spirit of direct action, in solidarity with the worldwide micro-radio movement, and as a challenge to the so-called "authorities" whose authority we do not recognize, we broadcast without a license over Olympia's airwaves. We invite you to take part in the movement and join Free Radio Olympia.