Say It Anyway

The Truth About the Power of Radio - Michael Rosenberg

A candid talk with Radio Valencia’s Michael Rosenberg on station sustainability, recruiting the next generation, and why discovering new music is a lifelong practice.

What does it take to keep a community radio station alive—and thriving—in 2026? In this conversation, James Ferrigno sits down with Michael Rosenberg of Radio Valencia to unpack the real challenges: participation, fundraising, dues, and the practical realities of rent and sustainability.

Michael shares the station’s thinking around incentives (like recruiting new hosts for discounted dues), why youth programming can spark momentum, and how online-only coordination affects community engagement. 

They also zoom out into music culture—why commercial “lowest common denominator” radio is so limiting, how non-commercial stations create discovery, and the “protocols” of deep listening: reading liner notes, tracking producers and labels, following critics and DJs you trust, and taking intentional risks in what you buy and play.

If you care about local music scenes, independent media, and staying connected to what’s next, this one’s for you.

Say It Anyway | All Episodes

Radio ValenciaRadio Valencia