Radio Over-the-Air Help and FAQ

For Radio Streaming Help, please visit our Radio Streaming/Podcast FAQ

Tuning In

How can I improve my reception?
See our Reception Tips page for detailed information on how to improve your reception.

Can I listen to any KQED Radio programs on other radio stations?
Yes. KQED syndicates the The California Report, which airs on public radio stations throughout California.

KQED Public Radio also operates KQEI 89.3FM in Sacramento, which broadcasts KQED's news and information service in its entirety.

Radio Programs

How do I find out what's on?
You can find out what programs are coming up by looking at our Weekly Schedule. See the Radio Programs page for specifics (topics, stories, guests) on particular programs. On the Radio Programs page, you can click on the name of any program to visit the program's web site.

When does a particular show air?
See our Weekly Schedule for air times. In the weekly schedule, you can click on the name of any program to visit the program's web site.

Who was that guest on Forum?
You can find a listing of guests from the current week on the Forum site.

What was that song I heard between programs?
The music you hear comes to us built into the program, it is not "between programs" and KQED Public Radio does not play a note of music. Most radio programs list the music "Buttons" as part of the program archive. There is not a list anywhere, you must go to the individual program's website. Best way to find the program is go to  KQED Radio Daily Schedule. Scroll down to the time you were listening, then click on the program name. On the next page, look right to a dark box with "Visit the program's Oofficial website," click on that. Some programs even let you listen again until you find the right piece.

Where do the programs on KQED Radio come from?
The programs on KQED Radio come from a number of sources:

KQED - KQED Public Radio produces six regular programs here in our San Francisco studio, and also co-produces and presents some Bay Area programs.
NPR - Many of the national programs on KQED come from NPR, a national production and distribution network.
PRI - KQED broadcasts several programs from PRI, a national distribution network. These programs are produced at different public radio stations around the country, then distributed to KQED by PRI.
PBS - KQED Radio broadcasts the audio from some PBS programs, including the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
Independent Productions - Some programs on KQED are independently produced by public radio stations or nonprofit organizations.

What programs does KQED produce?
KQED produces:
KQED Radio News - Local Northern California news, broadcast weekdays in brief segments during Morning Edition and throughout the day.
The California Report - Statewide news and public affairs commentary. Includes 8-minute segments broadcast weekday mornings and a half-hour newsmagazine broadcast Friday afternoons. Carried by public radio stations around California.
Forum - Live call-in talk show, broadcast daily in two one-hour segments.
Perspectives - Public affairs commentary by community members, broadcast daily during Morning Edition and Weekend Edition.
QUEST Radio - Weekly program focusing on the people behind the science and environmental issues that are changing the way we live.
The Do List - Discusses the hottest tickets and must-see shows in Northern California. Airs Fridays at 6:30am and 8:30am.

KQED co-produces and presents:
Commonwealth Club
City Arts and Lectures
It's Your World
Youth Radio

What is NPR?
NPR (National Public Radio) is a nonprofit company that produces and distributes public radio programming. Many NPR programs (including Morning Edition, Talk of the Nation and All Things Considered) are produced at NPR's headquarters in Washington, DC. Other NPR programs (including Fresh Air and Car Talk) are produced at public radio stations around the country and are then distributed by NPR. NPR News also maintains bureaus and correspondents around the world.

What NPR programs does KQED broadcast?
KQED Radio airs the following programs from NPR:

All Things Considered
Car Talk
Fresh Air with Terry Gross
Latino USA
Living on Earth
Morning Edition
On the Media
Says You!
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Weekend All Things Considered
Weekend Edition - Saturday
Weekend Edition - Sunday

What is PRI?
PRI (Public Radio International) is a distribution network for public radio programming. PRI distributes programs produced by public radio stations around the country. PRI is associated with Minnesota Public Radio, a network that produces many of the programs distributed by PRI.

What PRI programs does KQED broadcast?
KQED Radio airs the following programs from PRI:

BBC World Service
Marketplace
A Prairie Home Companion
Marketplace Money
Science Friday
Selected Shorts
This American Life
To The Best of Our Knowledge
The World

What is the BBC?
The BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation. KQED Radio airs BBC World Service, the BBC's worldwide news program. The program is broadcast from London in 43 languages, and is distributed in the U.S. by PRI.

How can I get a tape, CD or transcript of a program?
You can order tapes or CDs of KQED programs by sending a check along with the name, date and time of the program you'd like. See our Tapes and CDs page for prices and mailing addresses. KQED does not offer written transcripts.

Inside KQED Radio

Whose voice am I listening to?
The KQED Radio Staff page includes information on KQED Radio's announcers, hosts, reporters and producers.

Where are you located?
KQED is located at 2601 Mariposa Street in San Francisco. See our Interactive Map for driving directions and information on public transportation.

Can I work there?
Please see KQED's job page for information on current openings and the application process. Several KQED Radio programs also accept interns. See KQED's internship page for more information.

Can I volunteer there?
Please see KQED's volunteer page for information on volunteering.

Community Calendar

What is the Community Calendar?
The Community Calendar is KQED Public Radio's program of on-air public service announcements. The Community Calendar emphasizes low-cost Northern California events with general admissions of no more than $25 per ticket. Events include lectures, musical performances, exhibitions and other gatherings.

Can I add my event to the calendar?
We welcome your press releases, fact sheets and event calendars. They will be edited to meet KQED specifications. KQED Radio does not air announcements for events that are strictly fundraisers, walk-a-thons, auctions, book sales, or any other type of solicitation for volunteers or funds. KQED Radio airs five or six selected listings per day. Listings are aired either the night before the event or in the early afternoon on the day of the event.

What information do I need to give you?
Events will be considered for air if the following information is included:

Name of event and sponsoring organization.
Date and time of event. For multi-performance events, please include date and time of each individual performance.
Street address of event.
Description of event and phonetic pronunciation of names.
Ticket or admission costs for event or each performance. Cost must not exceed $25 per person, general admission. Tickets must be available at the door. We do not air phone numbers for reservations or advance ticket sales.
Weekday telephone number of contact person available between 9am and 5pm.

Where do I send my event information?

PLEASE SEND NOTICE 3 WEEKS IN ADANCE OF THE EVENT DATE

E-mail: psa@kqed.org
Fax: (415) 553-2241
Mail: Community Calendar
KQED Radio
2601 Mariposa St.
San Francisco, CA 94110

Contacting KQED Radio

How can I contact a specific program?
See the Contact Us page for phone numbers of KQED programs. See the NPR web site for the email addresses of NPR programs.

How do I call in to KQED's "Forum" program?
1.415.553.2227 or 1.866.SF.FORUM (1.866.733.6786)