Featured Member: North Country Community Radio

Featured Member North Country Community Radio (NCCR) is the beating heart of the North Country, offering a platform for cultural expression, community involvement, and diverse entertainment. With a studio in Littleton, New Hampshire, NCCR serves New Hampshire and Vermont, connecting communities with original, locally produced content. With a history rooted in a passion for local culture, NCCR aims to unify and enrich the region by delivering a range of programming that caters to the unique needs of the North Country.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, NCCR operates on donations, grants, and underwriting, ensuring that the station remains commercial-free while offering high-quality programming that listeners can depend on. With over 50 hours of original content each week, NCCR broadcasts from WZNC-LP 99.9 FM atop the Colonial Theatre in nearby Bethlehem and streams online, providing easy access to residents across the North Country. In 2022, NCCR acquired Jerry Jam, the local grassroots music festival honoring Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead’s legacy since Garcia’s passing in 1995.

Mission and Vision: Serving the North Country

At the core of NCCR’s mission is the desire to unify and enrich the region with culturally responsive programming. The station’s programming offers everything from live local music to community conversations with leaders who shape the economic, social, and cultural landscape. NCCR takes pride in delivering information that matters to its audience, including locally focused news, entertainment, and cultural expression.

In addition to the engaging content, NCCR envisions evolving alongside its community, constantly improving services to meet the needs of the underrepresented. Their long-term goal? To be the voice of the Littleton Area through volunteer DJs, innovative programming, and a dedication to keeping the North Country informed, entertained, and connected.

The Birth of NCCR: A Story of Passion and Inspiration

Founded in 2012, NCCR is the brainchild of Nate Alberts, a North Country native inspired by his time in Crested Butte, Colorado. During his five years in Colorado, Nate became familiar with community radio through KBUT, a small but mighty station serving the Rocky Mountain town. Upon returning to New Hampshire, he recognized the same potential for community radio in the North Country, a region brimming with talented, passionate individuals who could benefit from a locally focused, community-driven station.

What began as an online-only broadcast soon expanded thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and listeners. By October 28, 2012, NCCR was live, broadcasting from a low-powered AM transmitter at the Tannery Marketplace in Littleton. From those humble beginnings, NCCR grew steadily, and today, the station broadcasts online and on the FM dial at 99.9 FM WZNC-LP in Bethlehem, bringing community-centric programming to even more listeners.

Culturally Responsive Programming

One of the hallmarks of NCCR is its dedication to culturally responsive programming. The station’s programming reflects the diverse interests of the North Country, offering local music and over 50 hours of original content produced every week, providing listeners with a wealth of programming options.

The station’s most popular offerings are live in-studio performances, interviews with national touring acts, and the annual Jerry Jam Music Festival. These events give local artists a platform to showcase their talents while providing the community with access to quality entertainment. In addition, the station regularly features conversations with community leaders who are making a difference in the North Country, giving listeners insight into the economic and social issues impacting the region.

A Hub for Community Engagement

NCCR’s impact goes beyond the airwaves. The station serves as a hub for community engagement, encouraging local residents to get involved in the station’s programming and direction. Volunteers are essential in running the station, from DJing to event planning and fundraising. By offering locals the opportunity to participate, NCCR ensures that the station reflects the unique spirit of the North Country and remains true to its mission of serving the community.

The radio station also supports various community projects and collaborations with local organizations, providing a platform to promote events, discuss important issues, and raise awareness about causes that matter to the region. From hosting live discussions to organizing fundraising events, NCCR is deeply integrated into the fabric of the North Country.

How NCCR Supports Local Business and Culture

Beyond entertainment, NCCR is a valuable resource for local businesses and cultural organizations, offering them an affordable way to reach a wide audience. As a non-profit, NCCR relies on support from the community, which often comes in the form of underwriting and sponsorships from local businesses. These partnerships are mutually beneficial, as they give businesses an opportunity to advertise while helping NCCR stay on the air and continue its vital work in the community.

Looking to the Future: NCCR’s Vision for Growth

NCCR’s story is one of growth, passion, and dedication. As the station looks toward the future, it aims to continue expanding its reach and programming, always evolving to meet the changing needs of its listeners. With its sights set on growing its volunteer base and increasing community engagement, NCCR is committed to being an essential part of the North Country for years to come.

To support its mission and vision, NCCR will continue to rely on community donations, grants, and underwriting, ensuring that the station remains free from commercial pressures and able to provide high-quality, diverse programming that enriches the region.

How to Listen and Get Involved

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the North Country, tuning into NCCR is easy. You can listen live on 99.9 FM WZNC-LP in Bethlehem or stream online from anywhere in the world at northcountrycommunityradio.org. If you’re interested in getting involved, NCCR is always looking for volunteers to help with DJing, event planning, and other important roles.

You can also support NCCR through donations, underwriting, or simply spreading the word about the station’s incredible programming. With your help, NCCR can continue to be a vital resource for the North Country, connecting people through information, entertainment, and community involvement.

To learn more: visit the NCCR website