WTSQ-LP
WTSQ-LP 88.1 FM is an independent community radio station based in Charleston, West Virginia. It specializes in alternative and indie while offering a diverse mix of genres and styles. Its broadcasting license is owned by Masque Informed, an independent 501(c)(3) organization and is operated by community volunteers. The station broadcasts locally on 88.1 FM and streams worldwide via its and .
History
WTSQ began broadcasting with a soft launch on June 14, 2015, and officially launched on July 11, 2015, from in Charleston. The station later relocated to on Summers Street in 2022. Despite the move, WTSQ has maintained 24/7 broadcasting with minimal downtime. It also hosted the 2023 Grassroots Radio Conference, bringing together community radio stations from across the country.Programming
WTSQ features a freeform mix of music and talk programming, including genres such as doo-wop, hip-hop, funk, punk, reggae, dub, metal, folk, Americana, alternative, and indie rock. Notable shows include:- Morning's with Lou
- Democracy Now!
- Morning Mix with Mya
- The Afternoon Show with Josh Gaffin
Nearly 40 DJs make up the weekly programming schedule, each hosting a weekly on-air shift that covers late afternoons and evenings Monday - Friday, as well as morning, afternoon, and evening shifts on Saturdays & Sundays. The station also relies on DJ OTTO, its custom-made automation system. Additionally, WTSQ features National Weather Service reports, participates in Emergency Alert System, and broadcasts current news updates from service Monday - Friday.
Community Engagement
WTSQ actively participates in the Charleston music and arts scene. It has hosted anniversary parties at unique locations featuring artists such as Ron Gallo, Screaming Females, and Bodega. The station has also provided live coverage for and continues to support local events.WTSQ often features local artists, musicians, and community figures on-air to discuss local events and news. The station also provides several field reports from downtown Charleston and live broadcasts from community events such as , , and .
Technology and Streaming
The WTSQ mobile app has been completely reworked, now supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Apple TV and Android TV. The app is available for tablets and mobile devices, remaining free and ad-free. Listeners can search for "WTSQ" in their app store to download it.WTSQ is also in the process of launching an improved WTSQ 88.1 FM stream, which will significantly enhance audio quality and fidelity.