If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t listen to the radio much. Why would I subject myself to ads when I can pay a nominal fee for my own ad-free music?
You shouldn’t sleep on the radio, though. In addition to offering fresh finds for your playlists (because who doesn’t love a little variety?), radio stations often sponsor free giveaways of concert tickets, prizes from local businesses and (sometimes) straight cash. Access to these prizes is as simple as unplugging your aux cord and dusting off that good ol’ radio of yours. If you don’t drive, check out the iHeart Radio app for radio access straight from your smartphone. Here are six local stations you should definitely be tuning in to.
1. WFSU (88.9 FM)
While this public radio station doesn’t offer any cool prizes, it is a great source for local, national and world news and very cool internships! If you love staying up-to-date on the latest happenings, try throwing WFSU on once in a while.
2. WVFS Tallahassee (89.7 FM)
Courtesy: WVFS Tallahassee
This student-run radio station plays fresh finds with hourly variety programs. (Caffeine A-Go-Go: music to get you going begins at 6 a.m.) The station features concert updates, public service announcements from individuals and groups and even internships and class credit! It also offers events throughout the year; you can check out their website for updates.
3. Star 98.9 (98.9 FM)
This variety station plays a FABULOUS oldie mix and some great 90s-00s hits to satisfy your own nostalgia. The station just held a contest for free Brad Paisley tickets (for his Weekend Warrior World Tour at the Civic Center, March 9) via call-in to “John & Tammy in the Morning,” a morning program that has been on-air since 1989. Check in for more giveaways throughout the year; you can listen on your smartphone through the 98.9 app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
4. Gulf 104 (104.1 FM)
If you’re into classic rock, this is the station for you. If you’re more hairspray than hair metal, check out the Luck of the Irish giveaway for the chance to win $4000. You can register for the contest here.
5. Blazin 102.3 (102.3 FM)
If you want some R&B and hip-hop, check out Blazin 102.3. Apart from playing some lit music, this station is giving away tickets to Lil Uzi Vert’s show (featuring Young Thug, YBN Nahmir and City Girls) at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Friday, April 13. For the next few weeks, listen in to DJ Dap & DJ E-Zone’s show for the chance to win.
6. KISS FM (107.1 FM)
This iHeart radio station plays the top hits of today: a blend of pop, rock and everything in between. There are several national contests that you can enter (Including a chance to meet Niall Horan at the Greek Theater in LA. Your inner 1D fan is screaming). You can find the details for this contest (and many, many others) on the iHeart radio website. You can also download the iHeart radio app for on-the-go listening.