SEMM Foundation

SEMM Foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to supporting music education, entertainment and broadcast

media services. Under the SEMM Foundation banner are three distinct organizations, Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX-LP Radio

Station, SEMM Music Academy and SEMM Rehearsal Studios.

Our Mission

The mission of SEMM Foundation is to keep the art of jazz music alive through education, promotion and support to

our community, students, musicians, listeners and supporters.

About SEMM Foundation

Under SEMM Rehearsal Studios, we operate state-of-the-art, fully equipped "plug and play" music rehearsal studios where

musicians gather regularly to rent the use of our studios for their rehearsal needs.

Also housed in the SEMM Foundation facilities is our music education division, SEMM Music Academy, a community

minded music academy that offers private and group music lessons to students of all ages and levels, including free

private vocal and instrumental music lessons to underprivileged children. .

Over the past several years, SEMM Foundation was responsible for providing programming, operating and media services,

as well as for the successful development and implementation of a jazz radio format for the local 102.1 FM, community

radio station.

Under an FCC shared frequency arrangement, we shared the 102.1 FM frequency and broadcasted 12 hours each day

from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a separate group that broadcasted from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. using similar call letters, The time

sharing and different formats were a few of the reasons we decided to apply for a separate 24 hour license.

In November 2013, SEMM Foundation applied to the FCC for a separate 24 hour broadcast license on the 94.1 FM

frequency to serve the Columbus and surrounding communities. During the application process, we changed our

request to the 98.5 FM frequency.

On October 10, 2014, the FCC granted a construction permit to SEMM Foundation to build the new 98.5 FM station

to serve the Columbus area.

On January 12, 2017, the FCC granted a License To Broadcast to SEMM Foundation to broadcast as 98.5 FM, WSAX-LP

to serve the Columbus area.

As of January 1, 2021, we've changed our name from SEMM Foundation to Columbus Jazz Alliance to handle the daily

operations of Jazz 98.5 FM, WSAX. Nothing else has changed. The same great WSAX Team continues to operate the

station. The name Columbus Jazz Alliance better reflects who we are and what we do. Thank you for your continued

support & listenership.