Local community radio! This non-profit radio station, 91.7 FM is a cool, refreshing change from all the main stream radio stations. The station is like Austin- weird. Listening to this station, is the soundtrack to keeping Austin Weird. Since it's all local volunteers, the music selections are as diverse as the music tastes in the Live Music Capitol of the World! Seriously, if you don't like the music here, just wait a little bit. Just like the weather in Texas! The DJs change out every few hours, and each one brings their own selection of weird music. You're not going to hear Top 40 on here. I like the fact that there's no real advertisements on this station. They're all public service announcements, and local issues that they talk about. The coolest thing about this station is that if you wanna get on the radio badly enough, they'll put you on the air, and provide the training on how to do it! KOOP's mission is "to engage, connect and enrich the whole community, including the underserved, through creating diverse, quality, educational music and news programming." They fulfill their mission! read more

I love their Sunday 2-3pm Hip Hop Hooray show. Also, love their "Do The Right Thing" dance party. I wish this party was once or twice a month on Saturdays and in similar cozy venues like Lambert's upstairs. In response to Renato's comment "KOOP is a breath a fresh air." Werd. read more

I admit, I'm one of the programmers on KOOP, so I may be a little biased. I'll also admit that I didn't really listen to it before I joined -- but mainly because I didn't know about it -- just like a lot of folks out there. People confuse it with the KUT or KVRX; the latter isn't surprising since we share the same frequency (91.7 FM). But KOOP is not affiliated with UT -- it's run strictly by volunteers, and anyone can become a part of it -- provided they put in the work. I've been part of the team for over a year now, and during that time, KOOP underwent two fires and a relocation across town. We'll miss the old studio on east 5th street (well, maybe not the bathrooms), but the new one is spacious, clean, convenient, and full of brand spankin' new equipment. I think we've got just about the best in town, now -- we'll be the envy of all the other radio stations! Being run purely by volunteers, we've got a pretty wide variety of programs -- everything from roots/country to blues to Indie-pop to reggae to soul/R&B to world/international (the last being my particular favorite, as it's what I like to play). And that's just the musical side of things. Talk shows focus on a whole range of topics, like women's health, gay/lesbian rights, spiritual discussions, ecological issues, or just what's going on in Austin. If you're bored with the usual radio fare, check out 91.7 and see what's on. We may not be as polished or professional as our peers, but that's part of the fun. Oh, and I almost forgot one of the best reasons of all to listen: no commercials! read more

Ear Candy is one of my all-time favorite radio shows. It comes on at 5 on Saturdays. The station is very weak. I made an antenna just to hear it from home. KOOP is very open. They will let anyone be a DJ if they have slots to fill. They often give away tickets to shows or movies and it's easy to win because they have a small listenership. The shows post playlists so you can look up the artists later if you hear something that really stands out. Edit: Jennifer K. just did her last Ear Candy show and they changed the time earlier in the day. It won't be the same, but I hope it will still be good. read more

This is actually my favorite radio station in Austin! I "discovered" I actually liked it after hearing it almost everytime I went to my friend Tim's house. I suppose up until that point, I just misunderstood the station. Especially the switch over to the UT station which seems to have a constant stream of kids talking about Star Wars. Anyways, back to KOOP. The community sponsored station is run by volunteers and it shows in their programming. They play what they like and they want everyone else to hear. Turn it on, then sit back and enjoy. read more

Much needed in this world of corporate-owned media. Fresh voices and political perspective from local folks... great radio. Some really cool and unique chows... check out Radical Mothers' Voice, for example... what a great concept and totally Austin! read more

I absolutely love this station. It is an excellent escape for my afternoon commute. I'm actually sad when I get out my car because the signal is lost in the confines of my abode. There is always something different to listen to. Miss Novac, I sometimes call her Kim cause I imagine Kim Novac playing Motorhead and Dio, has an excellent taste in music. I think she has played 3 different versions of Orgazmatron; which, is OMFG K!cK@$$!!!!! Elk Mating Ritual is just hilarious, again. Theme of three is always fun. Soul Vaccination gives me a weekly dose of Earth Wind and Fire and other awesome funk/soul/quiet storm from the early 70's. You know, the 70's are very underrated music wise. Le Chateau Daddy-O, I swear you stole my father's record collection. Ten Years After, Vanilla Fudge, Electric Prunes and Sir Douglas Quintet are among the treasures that are played on this show. I just hope other people listening to this show on their commute aren't sparkin' up any j's. Excavation Nation. O Yes! Thump in my trunk. to bop the junk and shake the bedunkadunk. Just plain FAT, PHAT trashy, stinky, sweatsock funk. Sometimes DJ Arturo plays his 45's, which is always a treat. I will definitely be donating agains. read more

I don't think I could live without KOOP Radio! I love the variety - country, punk, lounge, garage, pop, funk, soul, dub...you name it and NO PLAYLISTS!!!! I'm always getting turned on to something I've never heard before. Real community radio where you can get involved if you want. Remember to donate! read more

In a world where corporate initiatives are taking over the airwaves, where almost every radio station is either some sort of oldies station or filled with bands that suck compared to the bands on the oldies stations, it is good to know we have KOOP radio on our side. The community sponsored station is run almost entirely by volunteers, so the people on air really love and believe in what they are doing. My favorite shows are ATX Live on Saturdays with Andrew Dickens, and the early evening news with Harry Ashburn. KOOP can be found at 91.7 FM during daytime hours. After that, they turn it over to UT's KVRX. Be sure to visit www.KOOP.org for a programming schedule. read more

I first tuned in after a friend of mine was listening to it. Right when I turned it on, Excavation Nation was playing some deep-fried funk. It was also their pledge drive. I called and gave some money without hesitation. They also have open training programs and various ways to participate. This station makes Austin feel like a home. read more

I already said this on my KVRX review, but I think KOOP and KVRX are perfect signal-mates--both willing to push the envelope and play a lot of cool and interesting stuff that other stations don't have the balls to play. From bluegrass in the mornings to the wonderfully eclectic Commercial Suicide show that used to play on my way home from work, this is the place to hear stuff you won't hear aaaaanywhere else. KOOP is a magical wonderland of interesting sounds. read more

This is where I discover music, and not having my finger on the pulse, I'm being kept in the loop when I was dropped off from it about 10 years ago. Of Montreal and Peaches have gotten some good play here (where I heard them for the first time), and just the fact alone a radio station can acknowledge the gay community with Queer Waves is comforting to our proudly diverse town. Like KUT without the NPR, this volunteer-driven organization is worth putting on your schedule for consistent, needed programming. Recommend: Nick Trevino's Trade Winds for great Mexican, Central and South American music Mojo Time for the best classic Soul The best jazz shows in town, mostly on the weekend, and Tuesdays are dedicated solely to latin music and programming supporting Spanish-speaking listeners. read more

Hands down the best radio station in the world! I love many of the programs such as Jamaican Gold, The Lounge Show, and Graveside Service. RIP to the Mascot Wedding Show and Elk Mating Ritual although I also like the shows that have replaced them. Also you can hear some little-heard gems on shows such as Andean Hour and Dark End of the Street. So many great shows! Tune in.. radio for people, not for profit! read more

KOOP makes me happy. there are many times I will randomly tune in and be sweetly surprised. today was a great example - while making the long, solo drive out to my dad's I was accompanied with a surprise set of surf rock. most times my radio is tuned to this station. it's just the good stuff. read more

quality programming from the UT nexus. Eklekticos in the Morning with John Ailey is great. Local Austin music and superb Texas radio. A wide appeal, Sunday evening is my fave! Top off a great evening of World music with Afro-PoP worldwide with Josh Colinet! read more

KOOP is the little radio station that can do all the cool shit that the other stations lack the balls to do. I don't always relate to KOOP's programming, but every now and then they have a show that really resonates with me in a way no other can. And I am perfectly happy to know that other underserved communities can get their radio too, even if it's not my bag. Their Saturday night is a mind boggling collection of garage bands and obscure hits unlike any other. They also have some Jamaican gold on Sunday, and an intelligent Hip Hop Show. All the stuff I knew existed, but could never get to hear. All those people who flung boycott KOOP radio stickers really ought to focus there liberal infighting and attack the real enemy of good radio: Clear Channel. UPDATE: WHOEVER THE FUCK KEEPS SETTING FIRE TO KOOP STUDIOS IS SHIT-HEADED FACIST COWARD! PEOPLE WHO SET FIRE TO INDEPENDANT RADIO STATIONS ARE AS BIGGER ENEMY TO FREEDOM THAN EVEN THE TALIBAN. NO PERSONAL GREIVANCE JUSTIFIES DENYING AN ENTIRE CITY ITS MUSIC. WHEN THEY FIND THE BASTARD I HOPE THE LOCK HIM UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY. read more

I'm a very big fan of 91.7FM KOOP Radio Austin and an active volunteer. We are incredibly lucky to have this station in Austin, TX. It's what the love of music and community is all about. 70 unique programs produced by volunteers in Austin every week...all locally produced. Eclectic music and thought-provoking talk shows on real issues that matter to our community. Interviews with City Council Members, local musicians, environmentalists, and others that help make Austin what it is. I love this station. Please tune-in at a few different times. Since you may love it one hour (Czech music) then not so much the next hour (Hip Hop) then love it the next hour (Jazz) and the next hour (country roots), but then the next hour when they play Celtic music you may not like it, but then the next hour when they interview a great local musician like Malford Milligan you love it! So keep listening and keep coming back to a different time. It'll fill your soul. No commercials, non-profit, 99% volunteer run Public Radio. And no artificial colors or flavors. Just real people that love music and intelligent talk producing incredible shows for you! Complete schedule at www.koop.org. And also listed on Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. Available worldwide streaming all day at www.koop.org If you're into local public affairs, check out the award-winning show "A Neighborly Conversation" on every Wednesday at 12noon-1pm. And if you're into state politics, checkout "Texas Politics Today", Fridays at 2pm. Tell your friends about the station that fills your hunger for community, 91.7FM KOOP Radio, Austin, TX. Best, David read more

KOOP Radio is new news to me. I learned of them just this past weekend when I recieved an email informing me of the Celtic Storm-Easter Rising program that was airing this morning from 9 till 11 in which they discussed the events of Easter in 1916 that began the revolt against the English for the rightful and long overdue Independence of Ireland, music and poetry inspired by the event and a special reading of the Irish Proclamation, they were having a pledge drive and I support them. I support them becuase they have heart, they have the cods to stud up to the plate and air provocative and to me very interesting topics. read more

KOOP is a refreshing break from the mindless repetition of commercial radio. I think because the DJs are volunteers they have a real depth of knowledge and true affection for the music they play, which can be anything from afro-reggae to Appalachian roots. The talk shows are just as eclectic with hosts who aren't afraid to push the envelope. Toss is a mix of live guests (both talk & music) and you've got the recipe for stimulating listening that is never boring. read more

Best radio station on planet earth as far as I can tell. If you want to expand your mind and constantly be entertained by great music you probably would never hear by your own accord and insightful commentary on politics, news and everything else well my brother/sister this is the your lucky day cause all you have to do is listen to KOOP. Listen to it 91.7 on your fm dial.... K o o p! read more

Can't say enough good things about the Sunday morning lineup. Czech Melody Time is a cultural tour around central Texas, host Thomas Durnin is a legend, and there's always a contest to win Wurstfest tickets. Strictly Bluegrass is as good as any bluegrass radio show in the country, better considering the depth and variety the rotating hosts bring. Jamaican Gold is perfect for a happy lunchtime. And it's all also streamed on the web at http://www.koop.org . read more

Five stars for Darkside Daddy, less stars for some of the crunchy-granola programming, Overall a great station and much more of a community asset than KUT. read more

Live right around the corner from the station. I have always lis listen to the station I find it very refreshing from all of the top 40 stations, with all the commercials here in Austin. Wish it had more Blues and jazz. I like the edge DJs and I like how they keep you informed on local music. I'll give it 5 stars read more

Loved being on Texas Politics Today. Deece X and David are great hosts, and we had a lively discussion about the political landscape. And they only mentioned my wife twice. read more

A station that is for the people by the people. A true Austin Treasure....glad they are still around after 21 years.

I'm biased, but if you like to think for yourself and expose your ears to the wide diversity of music available and not just focus-group tested or label pushed, look no further. Real radio for real people, for the community by the community. read more