What's with those community talk radio programs early Sunday mornings?

April 10, 2021 6:18 PM

Sometimes I have to drive to work early on Sunday mornings, and it seems like every radio station, even the ones that usually play music, plays these odd local talk programs exactly between 6:00-6:30 AM. (I'm in the Northeastern US.) For example, they might be about school fundraisers or PTA meetings. They are distinct from the morning shows they usually have. What law are they trying to comply with, and why does every station play them at the same time?
posted by Seeking Direction to Grab Bag (1 answer total)

Best answer: To maintain their licenses, radio stations need to air programming that is in the public interest. Airing them in the wee early hours on the weekend guarantees that they fulfill that requirement without alienating listeners or sacrificing higher-cost advertising slots.

Source: The FCC and me, former Public Affairs Director for my college radio station!
posted by kimberussell at 7:19 PM on April 10, 2021 [10 favorites]