According to the KZSC Mission Statement, the station is dedicated to "airing alternative viewpoints that often differ from the broadcasts found on many commercial stations". As such, the station has over 60 different shows that vary widely in
genre, including
sports,
reggae,
indie,
folk,
electronica,
hip-hop, and a wide variety of
international music, as well as a number of
talk radio and
public affairs programs. Approximately 70% of those shows are helmed by UC Santa Cruz students, along with evening
KPFA news broadcasts. It is also largely student-run in administrative matters. With a large following in the Santa Cruz and surrounding counties, KZSC also has a good name and solid following amongst online listeners globally. The station has an iPhone app as well as online streaming from the official website and other online radio streaming sites, such as Tunein. The college radio station is an important part of the UC Santa Cruz campus and broader Santa Cruz community for new and local music, news and talk programming, and news and emergency updates. Though it is under the university jurisdiction, it is not funded by the university, being largely independent and listener sponsored. Among KZSC alumni who've made their mark in media are the founder of Santa Cruz's loud-rock promoter Bane Shows;
This American Life alum
Stephanie Foo; producer Julie Snyder—co-creator of
Serial and now at
The New York Times; and Comedy Central writer
Jesse Thorn. ==History==