KPTZ 2020 ~ Change includes the audio clip from DJ host Dalana’s Music to My Ears show, aired on 7/08 and 7/11/20. KPTZ Programming Lead Ruby Fitch, host of Beach Rumble, added the snapshot of KPTZ during the summer of 2020 to get the word out about the many new developments on the 91.9FM airwaves, over recent weeks, with more changes due. Stay tuned!

Remember when change was something you found at the bottom of your purse or jacket pocket?

Well those days are definitely over. Now, because of the pandemic, we are bombarded with changes we never even dreamt of – while losing thousands of people to this virus. Change – starting with the countless weeks most of us stayed home, schools closed, most businesses shut down, the rampant unemployment, streets empty of cars, but full of protestors, and shortages of everyday things. Not to mention how we risk our lives to go shopping or fill up our cars, the risk of standing too close to people without face coverings, the risk of hugging a friend or kissing our grandchildren.

Change, risk, death, repeat.

The physical and mental anguish filling our lives begs for most of us to strive for some moments of peace, some respite from the world that’s spinning as always, but so much more confusing, troubling, frightening and changed.

So far, 2020 has been a challenging and inspiring time of adaptation and creativity for KPTZ, as we’ve pivoted to meet the evolving needs of our local community. Our 91.9 FM family of staff and volunteers has found profound solace and purpose in our work as a resource hub for public health information. We feel honored to be a source of comfort, connection, and communication during this period of hardship and social isolation.

The keystone of KPTZ’s COVID-era programming has been the Monday morning broadcast of the weekly Public Health Update from the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting.
You’re listening.
We’re listening.
We are all tuned in to hear Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke and Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence provide current regional and national information about the virus and its effects in our community.

Wellness and safety are always at the core of KPTZ’s messaging and momentum. This is reflected in the production and broadcast of Public Service Announcements – short, informational reminders about masking, testing, and health. And in our thoughtfully curated KPTZ Local News and Community Resources weekday features, as well as Through Science to Health, where experienced public health professionals digest the current thinking about best practices for staying healthy.

KPTZ has been called upon to air civic meetings & special events during a time when we as a community cannot safely gather in-person. Besides airing special joint meetings of our elected officials, we have partnered to broadcast City Council meetings, Port Commission meetings, and special candidate forums. Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro has also come forward to chat with constituent listeners directly, with his weekly call-in show Brewocracy Now.

In the midst of all of this, we are all doing our best to entertain and delight you! With new KPTZ shows like Filter, Crackin’ the Vault, Cats in Our Laps, It’s Saturday! & Live From Rainshadow. As well as our regular roster of music, conversation and wonderful what-not. Visit KPTZ.org for our full daily and weekly schedules.
Thank you, listeners.
From KPTZ 91.9FM.
Radio does truly connect us all!
We at KPTZ want you to know that no one is suffering alone. We remain here for our community and all of our listeners during this very difficult time. Stay masked! Stay Safe! And stay with us at 91.9FM.