by Mary Powell
For the Sequim Gazette
Those of us who live on the North Olympic Peninsula are quite used to photographers and news reporters spotlighting the natural beauty and uniqueness of the area. Now, however, an entirely different entity will be the focus of a documentary film.
Sequim’s first and only community radio station, KSQM, will be the subject of a film to be produced by the award-winning Los Angeles-based Insider Exclusive team. The crew will be filming in and around the Sequim area through March 4.
The documentary will be directed and hosted by executive producer Steve Murphy and co-produced by the film producer/director Robert Manciero. The program will examine the positive impact KSQM has made on listeners and volunteers.
Murphy said he and his film producers are known for discovering stories often overlooked in mainstream media.
“I believe our TV documentaries provide important visions of diversity and individual expression that contribute unique perspectives to our culture,” Murphy said. “These works can create a powerful, shared experience among those who view them and often lead to reflection, discussion, action and change.”
Radio station KSQM certainly fits Murphy’s parameters. The nonprofit radio station began broadcasting two years ago with a handful of enthusiasts set on bringing the music of the recent past — including big band, swing, jazz, folk and more — to local listeners. The station’s primary function, however, is to be the voice to and for the people, as it is a full participant in Clallam County’s Emergency Management Division.
KSQM has more than 100 volunteers and 1,000 supporters. That includes the on-air announcers, of which 80 percent have had no radio experience. Underwriting of the 24-hour-a-day, 7-days- a-week programming comes from local, regional and national businesses.
The grass roots station with its unique programming and volunteer-based support is exactly what Murphy and Manciero had in mind when they considered filming the documentary.
Insider Exclusive programs have been featured on Inside Edition, PBS, NBC, ABC, and can be seen locally on DirecTV channel 354 at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
Listen to KSQM 91.5 FM for further details as to when the documentary will be aired.
