Fans of alternative music and talk radio now have a safe haven to turn to, and that safe haven is called The Detour. The Detour, an alternative radio station started by an ETSU graduate, offers programs and music that would appeal to any listener.
The Detour is a non-profit, community-based radio station spearheaded by Aaron Overall, who graduated in spring of 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The Detour is also affiliated with the State of Franklin Radio Network, facilitated by Sara Jackson.
Overall, who has had an interest in radio since high school, funds the non-profit station with his own money. His calling is a simple one, to “give the airways back to the public,” Overall said.
“[The Detour] gives the DJ and listeners full control of the station, letting them say and play whatever they desire,” states a Detour flyer.
Those wishing to get involved simply have to contact Overall. Any community member with an idea can start their own program or put together their own music selection to broadcast. The Detour, with its grassroots beginning, also features syndicated radio shows that vary from Democracy Now and Counter Spin to shows on Islam, comedy and the paranormal.
“We forget that the radio waves were made for the public,” said Overall. “What we’re trying to do is take back the airways that corporate radio has taken away. We’re here to also bring a different opinion than conservative radio.”
However, Overall found it important to stress that the Detour is not a “conspiracy network.”
Overall described the Detour’s programming as “eclectic” and “unlimited.” The station proudly carries “all genres” and boasts a musical library of 10,000 songs.
“We play anything and everything,” said Overall.
The State of Franklin radio network came about in March of this year, and had their first live launch at the Blue Plum Festival in June. The State of Franklin network is separate from the Detour, with its own mission and perspective. Jackson stated that the network has a more historical perspective and tends to reflect the culture of the Tri-Cities area.
“The most important thing about the State of Franklin Radio Network is that instead of acting as a voice for the community it gives the community the chance to speak for itself,” said Jackson. “Instead of saying, ‘the community says this’ or ‘the community says that’ we say, ‘here’s a microphone, you say it.'”
The State of Franklin radio network focuses more on the local aspect, while the Detour carries alternative and mainstream programs from across the nation as well as from local hotspots. Local programming contributed to the network is mainly live music broadcasts, many of them featured from the Acoustic Coffeehouse.
“It’s great because the live shows are so spontaneous, you never know what is going to happen,” said Jackson.
Overall and Jackson both insisted that programming was shaped by the community, and not by themselves.
“This is not my radio station,” said Overall, “this station belongs to everyone involved.”
Overall particularly wants to get ETSU students involved in the Detour’s programming. He suggested that any ETSU student interested could even broadcast from their dorm room.
Weekly public discussions about the radio station are held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Next Door on 415 W. Walnut St.
More information on The Detour and the State of Franklin Radio Network can be found at www.thedetour.us, or can be found by calling Aaron Overall at 218-4229. You can listen to the station on the Web site or on channel 106.7 near the Acoustic Coffee House.

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