Soma FM SF in SF

An independent internet-only streaming radio network supported entirely through listener donations. Launched in February 2000 after gaining attention at the Burning Man festival in 1999, the service initially faced licensing challenges under digital performance royalty regulations. Following brief cessation in 2002, operations resumed after Congress passed the Small Webcaster Settlement Act of 2002, enabling negotiations for reduced rates with SoundExchange. The station operates over 30 distinct channels featuring curated music across genres including ambient, electronic, rock, jazz, reggae, world music, and spoken word content. All music is hand-selected by award-winning DJs and music directors. Early partnerships included integration with Orban for mobile device streaming in 2005 and collaboration with Harman International's Aha platform in 2013 for automobile dashboard compatibility. The service celebrates 25 years of commercial-free broadcasting.