KPFT 90.1 FM, based in Houston, Texas, is a listener-sponsored, non-commercial radio station that began broadcasting on March 1, 1970. As the fourth station established by the Pacifica Foundation, KPFT has served as a vital platform for progressive news, grassroots activism, and cultural expression. The station’s inaugural broadcast featured the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” symbolizing a new dawn for community-driven media in the region.​

Shortly after its launch, KPFT faced significant adversity when its transmitter was bombed twice in 1970, acts attributed to the Ku Klux Klan. Despite these attacks, the station resumed broadcasting, reinforcing its dedication to free speech and social justice.​

KPFT’s programming encompasses a rich tapestry of content, including independent news, public affairs, and a wide array of music genres such as blues, folk, jazz, reggae, hip hop, electronic, and world music. The station has also been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ broadcasting, with shows like “Wilde ‘n’ Stein” providing a voice for the community since the 1970s.​

Operated largely by volunteers and sustained through listener contributions, KPFT embodies the Pacifica Foundation’s mission to promote peace, social justice, and cultural diversity through free speech and creative expression. The station’s extensive reach and diverse programming make it a vital voice for communities across Houston and beyond.