Alternative radio newsman Travus T. Hipp, who kept local radio listeners in tune with “All the news you never knew you needed to know until right now,” died May 18 in his sleep at his home in Silver City, Nev.

He was 75 years old.

For more than 24 years, Hipp’s gravel-strewn voice contrasted with his compassionate perspective on major news events and controversies of the day. His three separate, 10-minute long newscasts could be heard locally on the hour every morning on San Luis Obispo-based KPYG FM.

The station, which is actually headquartered in Freedom, Calif., announced Hipp’s passing on its website. Frank Caprista, KPYG’s station manager, couldn’t be reached for comment, but previously told New Times Hipp was something of an institution at the station, having signed on when it was KFAT in Gilroy.

Born Chandler Laughlin III, Hipp was a colorful character—an “old radical,” as one local resident described him—who lived a far-out life, and was arrested for allegedly growing marijuana at his home while broadcasting live, according to Cabale News Services. Hipp broadcast news from his home studio in Nevada, fearing that California would soon fall into the ocean, according to KPYG’s website.

No local memorial services have been planned.