About Munchkin Radio
The Owner
Our Owner - Mike Peer is a 20+ year Music Industry veteran with a passion for music and family values.
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Mike Peer - Mike is married and is the father of 4 children ranging in age from 9-28. Mike has worked in (and on) "radio" for over 20 years. Working in cities such as NYC, Austin, Dallas, SLC, St. Louis and Chicago. Mike was instrumental in helping bands such as Linkin Park, Coldplay, Matchbox 20, The White Stripes, Jewel, Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles, One Republic, Adele, and many others, get their very first radio play in the US.
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The History
Mike Peer moved from NYC to SLC in 2007 to run a radio station called 101.9 The End. Around Thanksgiving of 2008, Mike was laid off (as many radio people were around this time) due to a depressed economy and radio industry that was (and is) literally dying.
As the radio industry shrunk, so did the opportunity to find new jobs, and Munchkin Radio was born. Munchkin Radio came about because of a number of reasons. First and foremost is children. While being super-served by other media, (TV, Magazines, Books, Movies) young children had almost NO outlet to hear music that was age appropriate on the radio. Let's face it, as parents, we can like and listen to any music that we want, but not much of that music is age appropriate for small children. Even Radio Disney, as good as they are, doesn't target young children, their focus is on the tweeners (9-16 year olds).
With the internet becoming increasingly easier to access, whether in your car, your home, through video game consoles, your tablet, or your cell phone, Mike seized the opportunity to create a radio station that would be JUST FOR KIDS! "There's really no need to buy a regular terrestrial radio anymore, the internet "is" the future of radio listening, and this way we're not confined to just one city and a 40 miles radius" said Mike Peer. "We already get hits from all over the country and the world and we're just really getting started".
Munchkin Radio was started in Sept. of 2009 and has grown from just a hobby of putting together fun kids CD's for the neighbors and their friends, to a full on radio station with Music, Appearances, Contests and more.
As the radio industry shrunk, so did the opportunity to find new jobs, and Munchkin Radio was born. Munchkin Radio came about because of a number of reasons. First and foremost is children. While being super-served by other media, (TV, Magazines, Books, Movies) young children had almost NO outlet to hear music that was age appropriate on the radio. Let's face it, as parents, we can like and listen to any music that we want, but not much of that music is age appropriate for small children. Even Radio Disney, as good as they are, doesn't target young children, their focus is on the tweeners (9-16 year olds).
With the internet becoming increasingly easier to access, whether in your car, your home, through video game consoles, your tablet, or your cell phone, Mike seized the opportunity to create a radio station that would be JUST FOR KIDS! "There's really no need to buy a regular terrestrial radio anymore, the internet "is" the future of radio listening, and this way we're not confined to just one city and a 40 miles radius" said Mike Peer. "We already get hits from all over the country and the world and we're just really getting started".
Munchkin Radio was started in Sept. of 2009 and has grown from just a hobby of putting together fun kids CD's for the neighbors and their friends, to a full on radio station with Music, Appearances, Contests and more.
The Mission
"We're trying to create an environment that parents can feel good about when allowing their kids on the internet". "We're not prudes, but we believe that kids need to be kids for as long as possible. That's why you won't hear songs that are blatantly about sex, dating and relationships on Munchkin Radio".
Because of the immediate bond that kids form with Munchkin Radio, we also feels that it is necessary to help kids learn some fun and good lessons while listening to their favorite music. Twice and hour, Munchkin Radio plays what we call a "Munchkin Radio Brain Freeze" and "Munchkin Radio Safety Tips, Health Tips, & Manners". The "Brain Freezes" are questions that our mascot "Freddie Ferret" throws out to the kids and then encourages parents to talk over the questions with their kids. Munchkin Radio Safety Tips, Health Tips, and Manners are just as they sound, about 10-15 seconds of KIDS telling other KIDS things like "Look Both Ways Before You Cross The Street" or Make Sure To Get At Least 1 Hour Of Exercise Every Day.
Munchkin Radio also does something that MOST radio stations have forgotten about these days...Being part of the local community. Munchkin Radio has partnered with the local SLC branches of such organizations as The Utah Food Bank, Make A Wish Foundation, March Of Dimes, and United Way, to name a few. Munchkin Radio has also helped with MANY Fundraisers, including walks and runs for Autism, Cancer, Food Allergies and many more, not to mention the numerous times that we've been able to help families who are having fundraisers for a friend or family member that may have been diagnosed with cancer, leukemia or other horrible situations that kids have had to endure.
While Munchkin Radio is currently based in Salt Lake City, we are growing rapidly and looking to expand locally into other US markets so that we can offer the same community involvement in other cities.
Because of the immediate bond that kids form with Munchkin Radio, we also feels that it is necessary to help kids learn some fun and good lessons while listening to their favorite music. Twice and hour, Munchkin Radio plays what we call a "Munchkin Radio Brain Freeze" and "Munchkin Radio Safety Tips, Health Tips, & Manners". The "Brain Freezes" are questions that our mascot "Freddie Ferret" throws out to the kids and then encourages parents to talk over the questions with their kids. Munchkin Radio Safety Tips, Health Tips, and Manners are just as they sound, about 10-15 seconds of KIDS telling other KIDS things like "Look Both Ways Before You Cross The Street" or Make Sure To Get At Least 1 Hour Of Exercise Every Day.
Munchkin Radio also does something that MOST radio stations have forgotten about these days...Being part of the local community. Munchkin Radio has partnered with the local SLC branches of such organizations as The Utah Food Bank, Make A Wish Foundation, March Of Dimes, and United Way, to name a few. Munchkin Radio has also helped with MANY Fundraisers, including walks and runs for Autism, Cancer, Food Allergies and many more, not to mention the numerous times that we've been able to help families who are having fundraisers for a friend or family member that may have been diagnosed with cancer, leukemia or other horrible situations that kids have had to endure.
While Munchkin Radio is currently based in Salt Lake City, we are growing rapidly and looking to expand locally into other US markets so that we can offer the same community involvement in other cities.