Local arts, culture, and community stories produced through KZFR 90.1 FM.
Chico Speaks was a City of Chico Arts Grant-funded radio and podcast initiative that helped local nonprofit organizations develop, record, and distribute original audio programming. KZFR partnered with the Museum of Northern California Art and GAME AMP P.L.A.Y. to produce two five-episode series during the 2025/26 grant period.
MONCA Unframed
Produced with the Museum of Northern California Art, this five-episode series highlighted local visual artists, exhibitions, museum programs, and Northern California’s arts community.
Premiered: March 31, 2026
Building Bridges Beyond Butte County
Produced with GAME AMP P.L.A.Y., this five-episode series elevated youth, cultural, literary, and community-centered voices that are often underrepresented in traditional media.
Premiered: May 26, 2026
Representatives from both organizations participated in planning, topic development, recording, and interview production. The project gave participants hands-on experience working in a professional radio and podcast environment while creating lasting audio programs that can be shared through future outreach, education, and fundraising efforts.
MONCA Unframed.
MONCA participants during the Chico Speaks project.
MONCA podcast recording, March 2026.
Building Bridges Beyond Butte County.
Young participants in the Chico Speaks project.
Chico Speaks podcast recording, March 2026.
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Project Timeline
- August 2025: Public application opened
- January 2026: Organizations selected and equipment ordered
- February 2026: Consultations and production planning
- March 2026: Recording began; MONCA Unframed premiered
- June 2026: Final Building Bridges Beyond Butte County episode aired
Chico Speaks was produced by KZFR 90.1 FM in partnership with the Museum of Northern California Art and GAME AMP P.L.A.Y., with support from the City of Chico Arts Grant Program.