Beginning in January 2005, the residents of Standish received a new colleague. That individual is Dave Patterson, creator of low power FM station WJZF. Patterson’s radio station is set up in his home and music and programs are on 24 hours a day. There are only three low power FM stations in the state of Maine and one is here in Standish.
“When you have it in your blood, you never get rid of it,” explained Dave Patterson, who had been working in broadcast and writing commercial copy prior to this. He also currently works full-time with the postal service.
WJZF has a wide variety of programming. Most of the music played is smooth jazz, but there are also shows that feature blues, bluegrass and nostalgia pop. There is also a program called “Acoustic CafA?©” aired on Saturdays and Wednesdays that highlights local talent. Another interesting program is “Old Time Radio” which plays actual broadcasts from the 1950s including commercials from the decade. There is also a big band show in the works, along with a Bonny Eagle High School program to be coming soon. WJZF 97.1 FM can be heard in Standish, Limington, Buxton, Hollis, Gorham, Raymond, and Harrison, among others.
Patterson uses the station to give back to the Standish community that he says has been very good to him. He gives free air time to many non-profit groups such as Ingraham, Kiwanis Club, Limington Historical Society, churches and town programs. Patterson does not play content that is controversial.
Patterson finds that working with low power FM radio is liberating. He believes it is powerful and one does not have to be enslaved by commercials. Patterson also notes that anyone can take part in it.
WJZF will be growing and becoming more influential in the future, he said. The station will move to Class D FM and will also be played on Adelphia cable channel 2.
Patterson is grateful to the Standish Town Council, Dr. Chapman and all who have helped him establish his project. He is willing to give free air time to any community organization. He says, “The more I do for the community, the better I feel.”
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