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| Broadcast area | Denver-Boulder-Longmont |
| Frequencies | |
| Branding | KGNU Community Radio |
| Programming | |
| Format | Community Radio |
| Affiliations | Public Radio International Pacifica Radio BBC World Service |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Boulder Community Broadcast Association, Inc. |
| History | |
First air date |
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Former call signs |
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| Technical information[1][2] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID |
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| Class |
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| Power |
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| ERP |
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| HAAT |
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Transmitter coordinates | |
| Translator(s) | 98.7 MHz K254CH (Fort Collins) 99.1 MHz K256CT (Denver) |
| Links | |
Public license information |
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| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | kgnu.org |
KGNU (1390AM) &KGNU-FM (88.5FM) are a pair ofcommunity radio stations licensed toDenver andBoulder, Colorado respectively. KGNU is owned by Boulder Community Broadcast Association, Inc.[3]
1390 AM was first licensed on April 4, 1956, and held the call sign KFML.[4] It aired aclassical music format and was simulcast on 98.5KFML-FM.[5][6][7] It originally ran 1,000 watts during daytime hours only and was owned by Evert A. Bancker Jr.[4] In 1961, the station was sold to the Fine Arts Broadcasting Company, along with its FM sister station, for $118,720.[8][4] Its power was increased to 5,000 watts in 1964.[4] In 1966, it was sold, along with its FM sister station, to O'Fallon–O'Connor Broadcasting Inc. for $165,000.[9][4] In 1969, controlling interest was sold to Joseph R. McGoey for $96,250.[10]
In 1971, KFML adopted aprogressive rock format.[11][12] In 1975, the station was sold to Radio Denver Corp. for $200,000.[13][4]
In 1982, the station was sold to Golden Bear Communications for $760,000.[14][15] The station adopted ajazz format, and its call sign was changed to KJJZ.[16][17][18] In 1984, the station's call sign was changed to KPPL and it adopted anurban contemporary format.[19][20] On July 31, 1985, Golden Bear Communications filed forChapter 11 bankruptcy and on October 10, 1985, the proceeding was converted toChapter 7.[21]
In 1987, the station was sold to Huttner Health Network for $265,000.[22][23] Its call sign was changed to KMDK, and it began airing a health-talk format branded "K-Medic".[24][25]
On June 13, 1988, its call sign was changed to KFTO, and on June 23, 1988, its call sign was changed to KDZR.[26] As KDZR, the station was initially an affiliate ofZ Rock, airing aheavy metal/hard rock format.[25] On November 14, 1988, it adopted abusiness talk format and became an affiliate of the Business Radio Network.[27][28]
In 1989, the station's call sign was changed to KJME and it began airing aSpanish language format.[26][28][29][30] In 1990, KJME was sold to Jo-Mor Communications for $350,000.[31] In 1991, the station was fined $5,000 for operating at 450% in excess of its licensed power.[32]
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KGNU-FM began broadcasting May 24, 1978.[20] In 2004, Boulder Community Broadcast Association purchased AM 1390 KJME in Denver for $4.1 million, and its call sign was changed to KGNU.[33][26]
KGNU's programming follows avarietyradio format, featuring a mix of music, news and information. Local shows are hosted byvolunteers. The station also carriessyndicated programs distributed byPublic Radio International,Pacifica Radio andBBC World Service.[34] KGNU is a member of theGrassroots Radio Coalition, which it helped found in 1996.[35][36]
In 2018, the station's 40th anniversary was commemorated by a six-week exhibit, "Listening Together", at theMuseum of Boulder.[37] Beginning in 2019, the station embarked on a capital campaign to raise $1.25M, with an equal amount to be matched by the City of Boulder, as part of the voter-approved 2017 Community, Culture and Safety Tax.[38]
In the summer of 2010, KGNU-FM was granted permission to increase its FM transmitter power to 4,000wattsERP. KGNU (AM) operates at 5,000 watts by day but must reduce power to 139 watts at night to protect other radio stations on 1390 kHz. The AM transmitter is inEnglewood, Colorado off South Wyandot Street. The FM transmitter is inLouisville, Colorado near the Louisville Reservoir, on a tower 213 feet (65 meters)HAAT.[39] KGNU also operates a 28-watt FMtranslatorK229AC at 93.7 MHz inNederland, Colorado,[40] and a 7-watt FM translatorK254CH licensed toLaporte, Colorado, whichsimulcasts KGNU-FM on 98.7 MHz from Horsetooth Mountain west ofFort Collins.[41][42]
| International | |
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| National | |
