Charleston’s only non-commercial, volunteer-powered radio station, OHM Radio 96.3 FM, is gearing up this month to celebrate a major milestone — a decade of nonstop, community-driven programming.
“[It’s an honor to have] a mic to hand to someone to tell their story or share their work,” said Kate Ledbetter, the executive director of the nonprofit that oversees OHM. “It’s a tremendous honor and an important service to our community.”
To commemorate the station’s 10 years of serving the Charleston community, it will celebrate July 27 at The Refinery with food, drinks and a line-up of local talent, such as the Marshgrass Mamas, a Lowcountry-based bluegrass band.
Attendance is free, with a $15 suggested donation for each attendee. All proceeds will go to Media Reform SC, the nonprofit that operates OHM radio.
Spotlighting local voices
With three part-time staff writers, volunteer hosts and DJs, OHM dedicates its time to shine a light on community voices, perspectives and exceptional music, according to a press release. Its mission is to promote democracy, sustainability and a healthy community, while celebrating Charleston’s creatives, students, authors, entrepreneurs and grassroots organizations.
OHM is not just another radio station to Ledbetter. She said she believes it’s something that can’t be replaced, which is why she has stayed with the radio station since joining in 2019 to host the “Easy Does It Radio Hour.”
“I’m willing to put in my blood, sweat and tears … [because] I consider it an essential public service,” said Ledbetter, who became the station’s executive director in April. “And despite changes and evolution of nonprofit radio, it continues to play an important role in our local news.”
She said one of her favorite aspects of OHM is the community that it brings.
“I love that it’s hyperlocal. Getting to meet people and talk to people about their work, whether they’re activists or artists — it’s just really rewarding to connect and grow the community in a meaningful way,” Ledbetter said. “[It’s an honor to have] a mic to hand to someone to tell their story or share their work. It’s a tremendous honor and an important service to our community.”
OHM gives opportunities for unheard voices to share their talent, said Steph Fredrickson, aka Steph RFX, OHM’s studio producer since May.
“It’s an honor to be involved with OHM Radio, a truly special place for Charleston’s creative community,” she said. “From musicians to storytellers, it’s inspiring to see so many people stepping up to share their creative gifts.”
The Refinery on Meeting Street is the station’s current location and its third home. Ledbetter said she hopes OHM can stay at The Refinery indefinitely.
“It’s a vibrant area to be right in the middle of, and it’s great to get to connect with the creative energy right here at The Refinery,” she said. “It’s just a great place to spend time and to work.”
Ledbetter said the evolution from its first location at Joseph Floyd Manor in Charleston to The Refinery helped the station deeply connect to its audience because of its more accessible location.
“Our goal is to minimize any hurdles that would keep people from being able to get to the studio,” she said. “So [moving] helped with the accessibility for people feeling like it was somewhere they wouldn’t be welcome.”
Through the years and ahead
While the station has thrived during its 10 years of existence, Ledbetter said that it didn’t come without any hardships. Fundraising is always a challenge, even with the generosity of local donors and the grants the station receives.
“Keeping the lights on, keeping things up and running, creating a space that’s welcoming and inviting for guests and keeping our technology up to speed — all of that is folded into our daily operations but also the challenges of being a nonprofit,” Ledbetter said.
Fundraising might be a drag for other nonprofits, but Ledbetter said she and her crew love the opportunity to connect with listeners. She’s especially excited to celebrate their upcoming fundraising event at OHM’s anniversary party.
“It’s part of the fun … this is one of my favorite things to do,” she said. “It’s a testament to how truly generous and how deeply committed and involved our community is when they rally around us to support our fundraising efforts.”
A decade of programming is a huge milestone, but Ledbetter is still searching for ways to make OHM’s future even brighter. One thing she wants to see is adding a visual aspect to their radio, to allow people to view their DJ or host, not just their voices.
“The next 10 years are going to mean an even greater shift in how people are listening, and how people are receiving information,” she said. “We’re in this gorgeous corner spot of The Refinery, and it’s a place people want to see. So I think getting the faces of OHM out there, to remove the mystery of being behind the microphone, I think we see ourselves moving in that direction.”
Regardless of what the future holds, Fredrickson said she is content with OHM’s impact on the community and the connections it has helped build in the past 10 years.
“I’m proud to support and amplify the incredible local talent that makes this city feel like home,” she said.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
