What was Radio Free Burning Man?

RFBM was a full-time, 24-hour operation radio broadcast station serving the temporary community of Black Rock City, NV.  The station was operated live at all times by members of RFBM staff.  The station interacted with the public via a customer service style counter which happens to also be the on-air studio.  This open-to-the-public approach to broadcasting was intended to bring citizens as close to the medium as possible while maintaining a professional sound over the air.  The station complied with FCC Part-15 rules for intentional radiators.

What is served to the community?

Most citizens of Black Rock bring some sort of broadcast receiver to the playa.  There is little-to-no FM station coverage in northern Washoe County, and none of that is much use to people arriving for a week in this unique city.  A forum for broadcast of news, general information, specific announcements and cohesive entertainment from the center of this community is vital for the well being of all who attend.  What RFBM did went far beyond the limits of real-world contemporary broadcast theory, where the audience itself is offered to advertisers and marketers as a product.  RFBM followed the various models and ideals of community broadcasting as practiced by the ever marginal non-commercial broadcast sector. It was hoped that with a liberal, open-door policy to the community of Black Rock, most people’s ideal of what a radio station should be, could be satisfied. For many listeners, RFBM was their first encounter with non-commercial community broadcasting. The station was able to be non-commercial because there is no ownership-control issue in its programming. Air time was neither bought nor sold. There were no advertisers or commercial interests. The open-to-the-public design allowed Black Rock City to serve itself.

If I contact you now, will you schedule me for air-time?

No, Radio Free Burning Man is not expected to return to Black Rock City for several years.

Can I get something announced over the air?

No, Radio Free Burning Man is not expected to return to Black Rock City for several years.