WPPM-LP 106.5FM is a noncommercial, educational low power FM community radio station from PhillyCAM.
Our programmers are PhillyCAM members who volunteer their time to produce homegrown radio that uplifts local voices, offers alternatives to oppressive media narratives and supports independent music. WPPM is freeform, original radio. Our broadcast schedule includes Regular Series public affairs programs originated by our volunteers and music shows curated entirely by our DJs. WPPM also broadcasts radio specials (one-off projects, mini-series programs, etc.) from PhillyCAM members. WPPM is a part of the Pacifica Affiliate Network, airing syndicated programs outside of slots occupied by our programmers.
Guiding Principles
WPPM is a member supported, participatory community station rehumanizing radio with local voices and original programming. We support content that celebrates, respects, and reflects the rich cultural makeup of the Philadelphia/South Jersey area and provides a platform for diverse community perspectives. WPPM provides a medium for underserved communities and music not heard on mainstream media. We value content that is educational, respectful, inclusive, non-degrading, and innovative.
WPPM-LP is a low power FM station - so what is LPFM?
In January 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established Low Power FM (LPFM) as a new designated class of radio station. Low Power FM radio is a non-commercial secondary radio service offered by the FCC. These licenses are for non-commercial, educational purposes and only licensed to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, or government transportation agencies.
FAQ
History
After a 27 year long battle for public access TV, in 2009, PhillyCAM aired its first programs on Comcast 66/966 and Verizon 29/30. Activists and independent media producers rejoiced when Philly opened its first public access media center in the city. Media producers now had a community platform where they could share their stories and educate the public. Since then PhillyCAM has broadcasted thousands of hours of rich, diverse programming from community members and trained hundreds of people in media production.
In 2013, PhillyCAM set its sights on radio and submitted an application to the FCC for a Low Power FM radio license. In January 2015, PhillyCAM was awarded a construction permit to broadcast on 106.5 FM in Philadelphia. While PhillyCAM was building WPPM, we worked to train radio producers, build a radio membership, raise money, and create radio programming for our station. On October 20th 2016, PhillyCAM launched WPPM's live programming and we've been broadcasting ever since!