RADIOLEX: Join us to celebrate 10 years as ‘The Voice of the People’ in Lexington | Opinion

Since 2015, RADIOLEX has evolved into more than a radio station — we’ve become a platform for public debate, a megaphone for nonprofits, and a media outlet where local voices shape the conversation. RADIOLEX amplifies the voices of neighborhood volunteers who produce thousands of hours of hyper-local content annually in English on WLXU 93.9 FM and in Spanish on WLXL 95.7 FM

What a decade!

In 2011, the FCC a limited number of rare low-power FM licenses were made available to communities around the US. Community advocate Debra Hensley rallied friends, neighbors, corporate partners, and radio professionals to envision a community radio station that would belong to the people. WLXL began broadcasting in 2015 and WLXU went on air in 2016.

From the beginning, RADIOLEX committed to broadcasting local programming of all kinds: local news coverage, locally curated music, discussion of local issues, local perspectives on international affairs, and special local events.

In 2019, when immigration was at the forefront of public consciousness, RADIOLEX recruited Pulitzer-Prize winner José Antonio Vargas to headline a city-wide, public conversation about immigration, identity, and how we define community. The event filled both the Kentucky and State Theatres and featured a panel of local immigrants, refugees, and specialists who explored the bewildering process of becoming documented in the US. Attendees left armed with knowledge and practical next steps to work on immigration issues in our community.

Less than six months later, COVID hit Lexington. RADIOLEX realized there was a potentially deadly language gap in our community. RADIOLEX partnered with the Office of the Governor of Kentucky, the City of Lexington, the Lexington Department of Emergency Management, and the Lexington Fayette-County Health Department to communicate critical public health and safety information in more than 20 languages.

In late 2024, RADIOLEX received funding from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation to upgrade antiquated broadcast equipment to cutting-edge digital technology. The improved studios offer higher sound quality, diverse delivery modes, and expand the station’s capacity for multi-lingual content.

Every Voice Matters. Every Story Counts.

In today’s world, where media shapes perceptions and drives change, RADIOLEX is building a future where everyone has a voice.

Market research shows racial and ethnic minorities, women, older Americans, and people with disabilities are underrepresented in traditional media. Lack of information, misinformation, and disinformation pose serious threats to the safety of minority communities.

At RADIOLEX, there’s a place for everyone to shine. We serve as a talent incubator training volunteers who may have little or no experience in mass media to become skillful content creators. Our volunteers have gone on to produce syndicated shows, create nationally ranked podcasts, and even win a Pulitzer Prize!

Join our Jubilee

On Saturday, Sept. 13, RADIOLEX celebrates our 10th anniversary with “Jubilee” –a free community concert and celebration fundraiser at Greyline Station, home of the RADIOLEX studios. Everyone is invited to join us from 12 pm to 6pm for live music, games and prizes, and fun activities for the whole family.

The main stage will feature a powerhouse lineup of local talent, including Rags & Riches, ellee ven & The Groovalution, The Goodwin Brothers, Tony Wavy & The Currents, and more. There will be a record swap and a fashion show. Games & prizes, including a cake walk, a wine-and-bourbon ring toss, and Lotería (Mexican bingo). We have a silent auction with amazing vacation destinations. Random drawings and door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Plus there will be inflatable attractions for kids and adults.

You can find all the details at radiolex.us/jubilee We hope to see you there!

Mark Royse is the general manager of RADIOLEX.