A New Dawn in Community Radio: KKFI 90.1 FM Replaces Its’ 23-Year Old Transmitter

After several months of planning, fundraising, and construction, KKFI 90.1 FM, a community radio station serving the greater Kansas City area, will be switching to a new radio transmitter with a ceremonial “throwing of the switch” on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:30 am (Central Time). The long-anticipated transmitter replacement will improve the strength, reliability, and quality of the 100,000-watt radio signal and replaces the original transmitter the station installed in 1988.

To celebrate the new transmitter going online, the station will hold the on-air ceremony to recognize the generous contributions of KKFI supporters.

KKFI was awarded a $78,703 matching grant last year as part of the US Department of Commerce’s Public Telecommunications Facilities Program. The grant was used to replace the station’s original transmitter and related equipment.

KKFI was awarded the grant based on the strength and diversity of its music, news, public affairs, cultural, and arts radio programming. Many of these programs focus on under-served communities in its listening range, which stretches approximately 60 miles in all directions around Kansas City.

You, the KKFI listener-supporters generously donated toward a special fundraising campaign, which began in late 2010, for purchasing equipment specified in the grant.

Additionally, in-kind donations or discounts were provided by a range of individuals, businesses, and organizations, including Albert Tamm Lumber Company, North Star Remodel, Renewable Efficient Energy by the Eric Kjelshus HVAC Group, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 124.

KKFI is proud to have earned this grant as it will replace aging and unreliable transmitter equipment, thus improving the ability to deliver a crystal-clear audio signal to listeners.

Stay connected with KKFI:

• Follow KKFI on Twitter @kkfi901fm
• Like KKFI on Facebook / kkfi901fm
• Tune into KKFI 90.1 FM live on the radio or via live streaming audio on the web at the KKFI Website

Donate to KKFI:

•  Support your community radio station – Donate to KKFI