91.3 WYEP

What 91.3 WYEP does

91.3 WYEP is a non-commercial public radio station broadcasting at 91.3 FM in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, operated by the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation (PCBC), a 501(c)-style non-profit that also runs sister stations WESA (NPR news) and JazzWorks. Founded in 1974, the station targets the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and surrounding Southwestern Pennsylvania with a curated format spanning indie, classic rock, and diverse genres including programming dedicated to the African diaspora. The core technology stack combines traditional over-the-air FM broadcast with digital streaming infrastructure (web, mobile apps for iOS/Android, and smart speaker integration via Amazon Alexa and Google Home), backed by a digital music library of approximately 500,000 songs (roughly 2 terabytes) that has evolved from vinyl to CDs to digital storage over 50 years of operation.

WYEP generates revenue through three primary streams: recurring listener donations and membership (including annual membership drives and a special May fundraising campaign), corporate sponsorship and underwriting (brand positioning announcements and event sponsorships), and public broadcasting funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and related sources. The station also operates ticketed fundraisers such as the Hellbender Ball ($25/ticket). Beyond core radio broadcast, WYEP runs a portfolio of live event programs including the free annual Summer Music Festival at Schenley Plaza (since 1998, with UPMC Health Plan as 2023 presenting sponsor), the Hellbender Ball, and the Neighborhood Concert Series. Educational and talent-development programming includes the Reimagination Project (a teen recording initiative that has engaged 240+ high school students in partnership with The Church Recording Studio, YMCA Lighthouse Project, and the Grable Foundation since 2021) and Elevate the Underground (a monthly feature highlighting emerging Pittsburgh artists from the African diaspora).

WYEP serves a hybrid customer base: individual Pittsburgh-region listeners and donors (primary), local and national artists seeking exposure and performance venues, corporate underwriters seeking to reach an engaged community audience, and foundations and public arts funders supporting music education and cultural programming. The station is led by Station Manager Mike Sauter (also VP of Broadcasting at PCBC), with Program Director Liz Felix, Digital Director Katie Blackley, Director of Creative Services Brian Siewiorek, and on-air host Clara Kent. With 11-50 employees and 50+ years of operating history, WYEP functions as a community-supported cultural institution rather than a venture-backed growth business.

Name

91.3 WYEP

Legal name

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation

Website

https://wyep.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

91.3 WYEP is a non-commercial public radio station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, broadcasting indie, classic rock, and diverse music programming to the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Operated by the non-profit Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation, it is funded by listener donations, corporate underwriting, and public broadcasting grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Public/Community Local Stations (PBS Member Stations, Community Radio, LPFM) (MPABACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Independent Local Radio Stations (MPABACAD), Music Radio Networks (Format-Based) (MPABABAF), Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ)

Keywords

• Public radio broadcasting
• Indie music station
• Music education program
• Community radio
• Live event programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Listener Donations/Membership: Listener-supported public radio station funded through voluntary donations from community members, including annual membership drives
2. Corporate Sponsorship & Underwriting: Revenue from businesses seeking brand positioning through underwriting announcements and event sponsorships, reaching community and business leaders
3. Public Broadcasting Funds: Funding from Corporation for Public Broadcasting and related public media sources

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

91.3 WYEP is a non-commercial public radio station broadcasting curated indie, classic rock, and diverse music programming over FM at 91.3 MHz and via digital streaming, complemented by signature shows, in-studio live sessions, and community events. Beyond broadcasting, the station operates the Reimagination Project, a teen music education initiative providing professional studio recording experience, and hosts live community events including the Summer Music Festival, Hellbender Ball, and Neighborhood Concert Series.

Product overview

91.3 WYEP is a traditional FM radio station (part of Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation) offering a unified portfolio of broadcast radio programming, live events, and music education initiatives. The core offering is its radio station featuring curated indie and classic rock music, complemented by Live & Direct in-studio sessions, original programs (More Bounce, The Local 913, Essential Artist Series, Fresh Cuts, The Grooves), and signature events including the Summer Music Festival, Hellbender Ball, and Neighborhood Concert Series. The station also operates WYEP Reimagination, a teen recording education program, and Elevate the Underground, a feature segment showcasing emerging artists. All offerings interconnect through the station's mission to curate and champion diverse music experiences for the Pittsburgh region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Reimagination Project: A teen recording project providing music education and studio recording experience for high school students in the Pittsburgh region
• Elevate the Underground
• More Bounce
• The Grooves
• The Local 913
• Essential Artist Series

Products and services

• 91.3 WYEP Radio Broadcast Non-commercial FM radio station broadcasting at 91.3 MHz in Pittsburgh, featuring curated indie, classic rock, and diverse music programming for the Pittsburgh region.
• More Bounce with Clara Kent Friday evening radio show (6-8 p.m.) celebrating music and culture from the African diaspora, featuring Alt-R&B, NeoSoul, Funk, Afrobeat, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and emerging-artist segments.
• The Grooves All-vinyl radio show hosted by Brian Siewiorek, airing Wednesdays from 10 p.m. to midnight, featuring music played from vinyl records.
• Live & Direct Sessions In-studio live performance sessions recorded at WYEP studios where artists perform and discuss their music for radio broadcast.
• The Local 913 Program highlighting Pittsburgh-area musicians and local music news, featuring interviews, live performances, and coverage of the regional music scene.
• Essential Artist Series Monthly spotlight program featuring essential artists in WYEP's music library to help expand listeners' musical discovery.
• Fresh Cuts Program showcasing new music releases, introducing listeners to emerging artists and recent releases across various genres.
• Elevate the Underground Monthly feature segment on More Bounce highlighting rising Pittsburgh artists from the African diaspora, featuring exclusive interviews, live music, and in-depth conversations about creative processes.
• WYEP Summer Music Festival Annual day-long free outdoor music festival held at Schenley Plaza in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, celebrating both national and Pittsburgh artists across multiple genres.
• The Hellbender Ball Annual costume ball event featuring Pittsburgh musicians performing as their favorite artists, held at Thunderbird Café & Music Hall with a costume contest.
• Neighborhood Concert Series Free outdoor neighborhood concert series bringing live music to various Pittsburgh communities, featuring local and regional artists at venues throughout the city.
• WYEP Reimagination Project Teen recording project providing high school students from the Pittsburgh region with professional studio experience, music industry education, masterclasses, and opportunities to record and release original music.
• WYEP Pittsburgh Concert Calendar Online calendar listing concerts and live music events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, featuring artists heard on the station.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Helltown BrewingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 September 2023Sponsor of the 2023 Hellbender Ball event at Thunderbird Café & Music Hall.
• Baum Blvd AutominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 September 2023Sponsor of the 2023 Hellbender Ball event.
• Dollar BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 September 2023Corporate sponsor of the 2023 Hellbender Ball.
• UPMC Health PlanmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Presenting sponsor of the 2023 WYEP Summer Music Festival, supporting independent radio programming and community initiatives in Pittsburgh. Part of UPMC Diversified Services, an affiliate of UPMC Health Plan.
• Pittsburgh Public TheatremajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Sponsor of the 2023 WYEP Summer Music Festival supporting community cultural programming.
• Pennsylvania Council on the ArtsmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023State arts council providing funding support for the Summer Music Festival and WYEP's community music programming.
• Pittsburgh Parks ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Partner hosting the Summer Music Festival at Schenley Plaza since 2008, providing the venue for the annual day-long music celebration.
• BikePGHminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Community partner providing free bike valet services at the Summer Music Festival to encourage sustainable transportation.
• University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International AffairsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Sponsor of the 2023 WYEP Summer Music Festival supporting community cultural initiatives.
• Pittsburgh Regional TransitminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Transit authority sponsoring the Summer Music Festival supporting community access to public transportation.
• The Church Recording StudiocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2021Primary recording studio partner for Reimagination Project, providing professional recording experience for teen artists. Dana Cannone serves as Executive Music Producer.
• YMCA Lighthouse ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Homewood-based partner providing studio space and mentorship for Reimagination participants, particularly serving Black and Indigenous youth.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• WFMU: Long-running independent, listener-supported freeform radio station based in New Jersey. Highly comparable to WYEP as a non-commercial community station focused on diverse music discovery, programming independence, and donor-driven funding.
• WXPN 88.5 FM: University of Pennsylvania-operated public radio station serving the Philadelphia region with a similar indie/alternative format and membership-driven model. Comparable as a regional, listener-supported music discovery station.
• KUTX 98.9 FM: Austin-based public radio station with an Austin City Limits music discovery focus. Directly comparable to WYEP as a non-commercial station with curated indie programming and active live session content.
• KEXP 90.3 FM: Seattle-based non-commercial public radio station specializing in indie and alternative music with strong live session programming. Directly comparable to WYEP in format focus, listener-supported funding model, and emphasis on local artist discovery.
• KCRW 89.9 FM: Santa Monica-based public radio station known for eclectic music programming and digital streaming reach. Highly relevant peer given shared public radio funding model, eclectic format, and strong digital/streaming presence comparable to WYEP's distribution strategy.
• WESA 90.5 FM: Sister NPR news station operated by Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation, the same parent as WYEP. Shares infrastructure, digital platforms, and fundraising apparatus, providing a direct operational peer for audience, sponsorship, and content benchmarks.

Broad incumbents

• WGBH 89.7 FM / WBUR: Boston-area public radio stations with much larger operational scale. Comparable in the public broadcasting funding and governance model, but operates at significantly larger audience and budget scale than WYEP.

Others

• Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation: The parent nonprofit of WYEP, WESA, and JazzWorks. Listed here for completeness as the umbrella entity governing WYEP's operations, fundraising, and shared services.
• WESA / JazzWorks: JazzWorks is a sister streaming jazz station operated by Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation alongside WYEP. Comparable as part of the same organizational portfolio, demonstrating format diversification under one nonprofit umbrella.

Regional players

• WDVE 102.5 FM: Pittsburgh-market commercial rock radio station. Comparable as a regional Pittsburgh broadcaster competing for the same listener base and local advertising dollars, though it operates under a commercial rather than public radio model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WYEP
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/WyepOrg
• Facebookfacebook.com/WYEP91.3fm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/913wyep
• Instagraminstagram.com/913wyep

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 91.3 WYEP