#19 - Peter Salisbury

If You Denton Know Peter Salisbury, now you do. From launching a tiny AM station in his living room to building KUZU 92.9 FM into a 24/7 community-powered radio station, Peter shares how passion, persistence, and local music shaped one of Denton’s most grassroots success stories.In this episode, Peter talks about growing up in Texas, falling in love with Denton’s music scene, and the long road to securing an FM license. He explains how KUZU operates entirely with volunteers, how anyone in the community can host a show, and why local voices still matter in a world dominated by corporate media.If you’ve ever wondered how community radio works, how KUZU got started, or how you could become part of Denton’s creative scene, this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Timestamps00:00 — Meet Peter Salisbury & the Story of KUZU RadioPeter shares his background in photography and how he found his creative home in Denton.04:15 — Growing Up in Texas & Finding DentonFrom Houston to Garland to UNT, Peter talks about why Denton became home.08:40 — The Birth of KUZU: A Radio Station in a Living RoomHow an empty bedroom and a small AM transmitter sparked the KUZU idea.14:20 — From Backyard Radio to FM LicensingThe multi-year journey to securing a Low Power FM license.20:45 — Building KUZU with Volunteers & Community SupportHow friends, board members, and community members helped bring KUZU to life.26:10 — How KUZU Programming WorksAnyone can apply to host a show and contribute to the station.31:30 — The Volunteer Model & Funding the StationWhy KUZU runs entirely on volunteers and membership donations.36:50 — Lessons Learned from Building a Radio StationPeter reflects on fear, persistence, and learning as he went.41:10 — KUZU’s Future & Vision for GrowthPlans for expanding programming and eventually owning a dedicated studio.44:10 — Denton FavoritesPeter shares his favorite local spots to relax and recharge.🎧 Episode HighlightsHow KUZU started as a tiny AM station in a spare bedroomWhat it takes to secure an FCC radio licenseWhy community radio still matters todayHow KUZU operates entirely on volunteersHow local musicians and creators benefit from the platformWhy anyone in Denton can host their own radio showThe story behind KUZU’s first broadcastLessons learned from building something from scratch📻 About KUZU RadioKUZU 92.9 FM is Denton’s volunteer-powered community radio station. Broadcasting 24/7, KUZU features freeform programming, local voices, independent music, talk shows, interviews, and creative content from over 50 volunteer producers.The station exists to amplify local culture, support independent artists, and give everyday community members a voice on the air.Learn more or apply to host a show:🌐 kuzu.fm🍳 Denton Favorites (From Peter)Cartwright’s Ranch House — A go-to spot for breakfast and coffeeJupiter House — Favorite order: smoked salmon bagel with a mochaNorman Roscoe — A favorite stop on the Square🔑 Key TakeawaysBig ideas often start small, sometimes in spare bedrooms.Community-driven projects can thrive without corporate backing.Fear of failure is often the biggest obstacle to starting something meaningful.Local media still plays a powerful role in shaping culture.Denton’s creative community continues to fuel innovation and collaboration.