KOOP Radio
KOOP Radio is a volunteer-run, member-owned cooperative community radio station broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas since 1994. It produces over 60 locally-made programs weekly serving Austin listeners, local musicians, and underserved communities through FM, HD Radio, and online streaming.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What KOOP Radio does
KOOP Radio is a community-owned, non-commercial educational radio station operating under Texas Educational Broadcasting Cooperative Inc., broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas since 1994. The station is cooperatively governed by its members through an elected Board of Directors and Community Council, with day-to-day operations run by General Manager Federico Pacheco and a small office staff supplemented by an extensive volunteer base. KOOP produces over 60 unique locally-produced programs weekly spanning diverse music genres (bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, folk, world music) and news/public affairs content, including flagship programs such as Local Music Mix, In The City, Boots On The Air, and The Radio Still Screams. Distribution is multi-channel: FM broadcast (weekdays 9am–7pm, weekends 9am–10pm CT), HD Radio digital channels HD1/HD3 (24-hour programming), internet streaming via KOOP.org, the TuneIn app, and on-demand archives.
Technically, KOOP operates rooftop solar panels with a three-times-upgraded array (installed by Lighthouse Solar in partnership with Solar Austin and supporting funders including H-E-B and Meadows Foundation) that powers studio and broadcast operations during daylight, with Austin Energy grid backup. The station shares the 91.7 MHz frequency with KVRX, the University of Texas student station, which broadcasts during KOOP's off-hours. KOOP's website was developed through Knowbility's Accessibility Internet Rally program, and web hosting is donated by Monkee-Boy. Show archives are preserved at St. Edward's University Munday Library.
KOOP's revenue model is listener-supported and donor-driven, with no public revenue disclosure. Streams include individual donations ($15/month recurring or $100 one-time with thank-you gifts), business memberships, underwriting sponsorships, and grants (notably from the City of Austin's Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment ACME Office). The station serves Austin-area listeners seeking alternative media, local musicians seeking exposure, and under-served communities (including ethnic, LGBTQIA+, refugee, and other marginalized populations) that lack representation in mainstream commercial media. Marketing relies on organic social media across Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, a monthly newsletter, community events (Night Swim with The Carpenter Hotel, monthly DJ nights), and a network of 140+ community partner organizations.
KOOP Radio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KOOP Radio
- Legal name
- Texas Educational Broadcasting Cooperative Inc. DBA KOOP Radio 91.7 FM
- Website
- https://koop.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- KOOP Radio is a volunteer-run, member-owned cooperative community radio station broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas since 1994. It produces over 60 locally-made programs weekly serving Austin listeners, local musicians, and underserved communities through FM, HD Radio, and online streaming.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KOOP Radio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Radio Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE), Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ)
Keywords
Where KOOP Radio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
KOOP Radio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Listener Donations and Memberships: KOOP is supported by its listeners through donations. The station holds membership drives where listeners can become members by donating, typically offering thank-you gifts like t-shirts. Monthly and one-time donation options are available.
- Business Memberships and Underwriting: Local businesses can become KOOP Business Members or underwrite programming as a way to support the station while gaining recognition among the Austin community.
- Grants: KOOP receives grant support, including from the City of Austin's Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Office.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Listener Membership Donation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
KOOP Radio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KOOP Radio is a non-commercial educational community radio station broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas, delivering 60+ unique locally-produced programs weekly covering diverse music genres, news, and public affairs. The station provides listener-supported programming via FM broadcast, HD Radio channels, online streaming, and TuneIn, with content produced by trained community volunteers and member-programmers. KOOP also accepts business memberships and program underwriting from local organizations seeking visibility within the Austin community.
Product overview
KOOP Radio is a community-owned and operated non-commercial educational radio station broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas since 1994. The station operates as the Texas Educational Broadcasting Cooperative, offering over 60 unique locally-produced programs. Distribution channels include FM broadcast (91.7 MHz), HD Radio digital signals (HD1/HD3), internet streaming via KOOP.org, and TuneIn app integration. Key programming includes the Local Music Mix featuring Austin musicians, news and public affairs shows like In The City and Boots On The Air, genre-specific shows covering bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, folk, and world music. The station operates solar-powered studios and maintains an extensive on-demand archive of past episodes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- KOOP 91.7 FM Broadcast Non-commercial educational FM radio broadcast on 91.7 MHz frequency serving the Austin, TX metropolitan area, airing weekdays 9am-7pm and weekends 9am-10pm CT with 60+ unique locally-produced programs covering diverse music genres and public affairs.
- KOOP Online Streaming Internet radio streaming via KOOP.org website featuring a pop-up player and direct stream access URLs for Windows Media Player, iTunes, and Android devices using AACplus format.
- TuneIn App Streaming Live audio streaming available through the TuneIn Radio App on smartphones and TuneIn.com web platform, expanding KOOP's global reach beyond the Austin FM broadcast area.
- HD3 Radio Programming HD Radio digital signal broadcasting additional channels (HD1/HD3) available 24 hours a day via HD radio receivers and online, offering supplementary programming beyond the main FM frequency.
- KOOP Show Archives On-demand streaming of past radio show episodes, with most recent episodes available and some shows archived on Mixcloud, allowing listeners to catch up on missed programming.
- Local Music Mix Program Hand-curated playlist of Austin-area musicians selected by KOOP DJs and volunteers, airing Sunday nights 10pm-midnight to showcase local Austin music talent.
- KOOP Program Schedule (60+ Programs) Collection of over 60 unique locally-produced radio programs covering diverse genres including bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, folk, world music, news, and public affairs, each produced by an individual or collective of KOOP members.
- Solar-Powered Broadcasting Operations Radio broadcasting operations powered by rooftop solar panels with Austin Energy grid backup, using a solar inverter to convert DC to AC electricity for broadcast equipment, supporting KOOP's environmental sustainability commitment.
- Business Membership Program Membership program for local Austin businesses to support KOOP while gaining recognition and visibility among the Austin community as a Business Member.
- Program Underwriting Program underwriting opportunities for local businesses to sponsor specific KOOP programming, gaining recognition while supporting the non-commercial educational mission of the station.
- Community Partners Directory Directory of 140+ community partner organizations that support KOOP and benefit from cross-promotion and visibility within KOOP's Austin audience.
- Free Broadcast Arts Training Free training in broadcast arts provided to volunteers who join KOOP, enabling community members to learn radio production and apply to host their own programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 60+ unique locally-produced programs airing weekly
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use KOOP Radio
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
KOOP Radio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature2 records
KOOP Radio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Solar AustincoreSolar Austin coordinated the solar energy donation project that enabled KOOP to upgrade to a larger solar array system. This partnership brought together multiple community organizations to make KOOP a solar-powered radio station.
- Lighthouse SolarcoreLighthouse Solar installed KOOP's new solar array system. Owner Stan Pipkin provided leadership and advocacy that helped bring the solar project to life. The new installation is three times larger than the original system.
- American YouthWorkssupportingCommunity partner involved in the solar installation project at KOOP Radio.
- Enstall EmpowerssupportingPartner contributing to KOOP's solar power installation project.
- Imperial StarsupportingPartner contributing to KOOP's solar power installation project.
- BikeTexassupportingPartner involved in KOOP's solar energy project as part of the community collaboration.
- RoofiosupportingPartner providing installation services for KOOP's solar array system.
- SolvarisupportingPartner contributing solar technology/installation services to KOOP's solar project.
- St. Edward's UniversitysupportingKOOP Community Radio Archive is housed in Munday Library at St. Edward's University, preserving the voices, stories, and culture of KOOP for future generations.
- KVRXcoreUniversity of Texas student radio station that shares the 91.7 frequency with KOOP. KVRX broadcasts at night when KOOP is not on the air (after 7pm weekdays and 10pm weekends).
- Monkee-BoysupportingWeb hosting provider that graciously donates hosting services for KOOP's website.
- KnowbilitysupportingKOOP's website was developed as part of Knowbility's Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) program, supporting accessible web design.
- The Carpenter HotelsupportingKOOP partners with The Carpenter Hotel for events such as Night Swim, expanding community engagement through co-hosted events.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
KOOP Radio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WXNA 101.5 FM: Nashville community radio station modeled similarly as a volunteer-driven, listener-supported non-commercial broadcaster emphasizing local music and community voices.
- KVRX 91.7 FM: University of Texas student radio station that literally shares KOOP's 91.7 FM frequency (KVRX broadcasts at night when KOOP is off-air). Most direct comparable given shared infrastructure, Austin geography, and community/educational programming model.
- WFMU 91.1 FM: Long-running, volunteer-staffed freeform community radio station in the New York metro area with a similar non-commercial, listener-funded, programming-driven model.
- KGNU 88.5 FM: Boulder, CO community radio station with a volunteer-dependent, listener-supported cooperative structure and similarly diverse music/talk programming.
Broad incumbents
- KCRW 89.9 FM: Santa Monica-based public radio station with music, news, and cultural programming plus strong streaming and podcast distribution — a larger, more institutionalized analog of KOOP's community-and-music positioning.
- KEXP 90.3 FM: Seattle-based listener-supported non-commercial radio with deep local music programming, show archives, and global streaming — a larger-scale analog of KOOP's music-discovery and community-programming thesis.
Regional players
- KPFT 90.1 FM: Houston-based Pacifica Network community radio station; comparable as a listener-supported, volunteer-driven non-commercial broadcaster serving an underserved local audience.
- KAZI 88.7 FM: Austin-area community radio station with a similar volunteer-driven, listener-supported model offering diverse music and public affairs programming to the same Austin market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
KOOP Radio social profiles
Digital presenceKOOP Radio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KOOP Radio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
KOOP Radio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KOOP Radio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KOOP Radio
What does KOOP Radio do?
KOOP Radio is a non-commercial educational community radio station broadcasting on 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas, delivering 60+ unique locally-produced programs weekly covering diverse music genres, news, and public affairs. The station provides listener-supported programming via FM broadcast, HD Radio channels, online streaming, and TuneIn, with content produced by trained community volunteers and member-programmers. KOOP also accepts business memberships and program underwriting from local organizations seeking visibility within the Austin community.
Is KOOP Radio a public or private company?
KOOP Radio is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was KOOP Radio founded?
KOOP Radio was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is KOOP Radio based?
KOOP Radio is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does KOOP Radio make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Listener Donations and Memberships are the primary driver. The others are business Memberships and Underwriting and grants.
Who are KOOP Radio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WXNA 101.5 FM, KVRX 91.7 FM, WFMU 91.1 FM and KGNU 88.5 FM. Broad incumbents are KCRW 89.9 FM and KEXP 90.3 FM. Regional players are KPFT 90.1 FM and KAZI 88.7 FM.
Does KOOP Radio have an API?
No public API is recorded for KOOP Radio.
What industry is KOOP Radio in?
KOOP Radio's product category is Community Radio Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAEAG, Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication, with a secondary code of MPAIAEAE, Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only). Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.