Our Mission

WZUM is the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.

Pittsburgh Public Media (PPM) is a 501(c)3 independent nonprofit charitable organization which owns and operates public radio stations around Pittsburgh at AM 1550, Braddock, 101.1 FM, Pittsburgh and 88.5 FM, Bethany, WV in the Ohio Valley. Also, online, around the world, at www.wzum.org.

WZUM works with performers, institutions and music lovers throughout the region to help build and sustain a community that supports and embraces this great American and Pittsburgh treasure of jazz.

Background

It is our mission to present the great musical traditions and stories associated with jazz and Pittsburgh - and also to help support the community of listeners, performers, educators and presenters of today. A major part of that is in Pittsburgh artists hi-lighted on programs such as the Scene, the Pittsburgh Show and the MCG Jazz Spotlight Show, plus delving into the diverse range of musics tied to the traditions, including the Soul Show and Rhythm-a-Ning.

As WZUM's reach has expanded over the airwaves and online, the listenership and web interactions have grown - and the number of live jazz performances around the region have seen a dramatic increase as witnessed by WZUM's comprehensive jazz calendar of events, Jazz Central.

Jazz endures as not just a legacy of Pittsburgh, but an active, creative, diverse and sharing community as we improvise our way to what is next.

Context

There are several cities that are essential to jazz’s history: New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles……and Pittsburgh. Of all of these cities, pound-for-pound, New Orleans may stand tallest – but Pittsburgh is right behind. Dozens and dozens of jazz’s innovators lived here, grew up here, took inspiration from their hometown region…and helped to shape more than a century of America’s musical gift to the world. Jazz creators and innovators still prevail in Pittsburgh, today, as you can see from the calendar listings of live events in the region.

Most of these legendary jazz cities do not have full-time jazz radio stations. Pittsburgh didn’t, either – until recently. WZUM offers jazz and community information with a Pittsburgh flair, throughout the region every day, day and night.

As a relatively new non-profit media enterprise, the present and future of this service and community building it provides is wholly dependent on donations. We thank the thousands of donors and listeners who have tuned in and contributed so far!

Here is information about our leadership and and contact information.