BFF.fm: Keeping SF’s Creativity Alive Through DIY Community Radio

I’ve been a big fan of BFF.fm since they launched and have been a guest on a number of their shows. Then starting a few months ago Sonny Phono and I began recording our podcast Weird & Wonderful with Broke-Ass Stuart there. Because I love what they do, and as a way to say “thank you” for letting us record there, I figured I’d let the folks at BFF.fm tell you a little about all the wonderful stuff they are up to. You can support them and keep community radio alive by donating here.

Whether broadcasting online or over the airwaves, small community radio stations can wield big power. And no community radio station is more focused on using that power to help the Bay Area music scene thrive quite like San Francisco-based BFF.fm.

“The last five years have been rough for many creative San Franciscans,” said BFF.fm Music Director Ben Russo, “but institutions like BFF.fm have stood firm to keep the spark of creativity alive in The City. I’m proud to be associated with this diverse family of radio kooks that’s come together around a love for the Bay Area and its music scene.”

BFF.fm (The BFF stands for “Best Frequencies Forever”) began broadcasting in September 2013 from a tiny office inside The Secret Alley, an artist workshop located in the Mission District. Founder and station manager Amanda Guest explained, “I wanted to create a place where post-collegiate music nerds can unite and geek out over all the awesome new music that’s out there, while giving local and visiting musicians a platform to promote themselves.”

That’s exactly what drew Ashraf El Gamal to the station, where he hosts the weekly program Music Ninja Radio, based on a popular music discovery website he writes for. “BFF.fm is the ultimate sanctuary for music lovers,” he said. “It’s that common thread–a genuine love for, and open-mindedness about, music–that makes BFF such a special community for listeners and DJs alike.”

In just over four years, the all-volunteer staff has reached 100 strong and BFF.fm’s schedule pumps out 140 hours of original programming each week. Meanwhile, support for the station has grown beyond everyone’s wildest dreams. Named SF’s Best New Radio Station by The Bold Italic, Best Internet Radio Station by SFWeekly, voted Best Radio Station in SFWeekly’s Readers Poll four years in a row, won Best of the Bay on 48 Hills, as well as being honored in the final Best of the Bay issue of the SF Bay Guardian, BFF.fm is thriving in a time when many fear San Francisco’s legendary music culture is being threatened.

All of this magic is made possible by BFF.fm’s loyal listener base, which supports the 501(c) 3 with regular donations. Money raised not only helps to pay operational expenses, but it also allows BFF.fm DJs to become more active in the community, live streaming music events and hosting showcases that highlight local acts.

Tweeted supporter Lisa Church “I figure I get at least $20/month of burrito/coffee/San Francisco/bike related entertainment each month!”

In addition to monetary support, BFF.fm is always in need of volunteers. DJs can apply online at BFF.fm/join.

Looking ahead, BFF.fm hopes to cement its place in the San Francisco music scene through sustainable growth. After all, said BFF.fm DJ Ashley Sarver, “BFF.fm is more than a radio station – it’s a thriving community of rad people who love music.”

You can support them and keep community radio alive by donating here.