The Dean Sime Interview

Deam Sime

We’ve always been a fan of radio. Currently, the Moorhead/Fargo area is very fortunate to offer several alternatives to mainstream/commercial radio.

That said, this interview about KRFF 95.9/Radio Free Fargo is overdue. We recently spoke with Dean Sime, host of Needle Time…

The Northern Mirror: Please give us a description of the station. How would someone tune in?

Dean Sime: Radio Free Fargo is a free-form community radio station. KRFF broadcasts across Fargo Moorhead on 95.9 LP-FM. Our low power(50watt) signal covers the metro, but outside of that listeners have to rely on streaming via radiofreefargo.org. Our system also holds two weeks worth of programming that can be accessed through the calendar on our website and selecting the desired hour.

TNM: Who does this station serve? Who is the target audience?

DS: Everyone! It sounds like a joke, but we broadcast a large variety of programming. I believe the audience we serve is looking for something traditional media isn’t doing. We mostly broadcast music, but we have specialty shows that are hosted by members of our FM community and each DJ controls their show. Some shows are focused on sharing specific genres or areas of music, some have guests on and share local events, some of the shows dig deeper into the music played to give history and background on the tracks played. Somewhere during the week everyone should find something to enjoy and if they enjoy variety, there is a lot to like.

TNM: Why is radio still important?

DS: Community radio is, or can be, the voice of the people. We are all volunteers putting our energy into something we love and sharing our unique perspectives with like-minded, curious people.

TNM: Without ad revenue, how does the station operate financially?

DS: KRFF survives on the support of listeners and underwriters who donate to the station. KRFF has had great support from the community and local businesses.

TNM: What’s the name of your show, please describe it?

DS: My show is called Needle Time and airs on Wednesday from 7pm – 9pm.

My focus is on the music I have collected since I was in 6th grade. I play mostly Vinyl and CD’s covering a wide variety of genres. I worked in a record store for a long time and joke that I play record store music; so all the odd combinations of Rock, Folk, Blues, Jazz, and Country.

TNM: What’s your favorite thing about the station?

DS: The variety is the real magic and that is because of the great DJs we have who put in the time and share their voice with the listeners.

TNM: Outside of doing the radio show, what else keeps you busy?

DS: I organize the Fargo Record Fair which is happening for the15th time on October 25th at Brewhalla. It started because I thought it would be fun to dig through other peoples record collections. Never thought it would still be going on after all this time.

I have started helping with more of the operational responsibilities at KRFF. Doing the radio show is the fun stuff, but there are items behind the scenes that need to be done to keep the station going.

TNM: What’s your favorite thing about Fargo/Moorhead?

DS: At this point, it’s home. I grew up in a small town in South Dakota, but have been here since 1989. Great people, without the hustle & bustle of a bigger city.