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KCFR-FM (Radio Station : Denver, Colo.)

 Organization

Biography

KCFR (Colorado Free Radio), 90.1 FM, began operation in November, 1970. Established by the University of Denver, it was staffed by students anxious for hands-on experience in radio production. The station first operated at ten watts, with three salaried employees and 24 volunteers. Wayne Roth was the general manager for the station between 1970 and 1978. He left to become Associate Director of Radio for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. Max Wycisk became the new general manager in July, 1978. He had been KCFR's program director for the previous five years.

Over the years, KCFR grew to a much stronger, professionally operated station, though with very limited funding. In 1973 the Federal Communications Commission granted the station permission to expand to 30,000 watts. This power increase allowed KCFR to become a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate.

KCFR provided Denver with an alternative to commercial radio programming. A variety of music was aired daily, including classical, folk, jazz, blues, and rock music. The BBC World Theatre and classic drama performances (a series called NERN) were also aired.

Although the University of Denver owned the station, the KCFR staff worked independently to achieve their goal of providing Denver with an alternative source of non-commercial radio programming. KCFR received a portion (24 percent of the annual budget in 1973) of its funding from the University. The All University Student Association (AUSA) Senate provided the majority of the funding. For instance, in the 1973-1974 school year, AUSA allocated $24,000, and the University gave $7,000. The station also received grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Funding also came from listeners support in pledges, and from private business grants.

In 1984, KCFR separated from the University of Denver. The license of the station was transferred to a community board of directors. Today KCFR is part of Colorado Public Radio, and remains one of the main non-commercial radio stations in Colorado. In 1991, the Board of Directors of KPRN and KCFR agreed to merge and continue the success of Colorado Public Radio.

Found in 14 Collections and/or Records:

KCFR 90.1FM University of Denver Public Radio Records

 Collection
Identifier: U181
Abstract KCFR (Colorado Free Radio), 90.1 FM was established by the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado in 1970. The All University Student Association (AUSA) Senate provided the majority of the funding. The station was operated by a Radio Board and was staffed by students in order to offer hands-on experience in radio production. KCFR published two monthly publications, Wasteland and Selections. In 1973, KCFR became a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. In 1984, KCFR separated from the...
Dates: 1964-1983

Robert Stecker Papers

 Collection
Identifier: M310
Dates: Other: Date Not Yet Determined

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 5, 1972 July 10

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i05_19720710
Abstract

Korbel: Czechoslovakian liberalism. The Miami Circus – round one. KCFR live from Miami.

Dates: 1972 July 10

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 36, 1972 November 20

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i36_19721120
Abstract

Senators question KCFR operations and funding. Task force drafts report on Arts and Sciences goals. Intramural football playoff ends in brawl.

Dates: 1972 November 20

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 47, 1973 January 19

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i47_19730119
Abstract

KCFR may up power; needs only $40,000. DRI operations in jeopardy if federal funds cut off. IM department hopes for better facilities.

Dates: 1973 January 19

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 55, 1973 February 12

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i55_19730212
Abstract

Board of Contingencies opposed by BoComm. Senate backs loan to KCFR. VVAW reorients program; continues opposition role.

Dates: 1973 February 12

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 89, 1973 May 11

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i89_19730511
Abstract

Theft is now the major concern of campus cops. Preregistration begins Monday for summer and fall quarters. KCFR marathon is “about halfway there”. Free dance today!

Dates: 1973 May 11

The Denver Clarion, vol. 77, issue 93, 1973 May 21

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v077i93_19730521
Abstract

KCFR reaches $12,000 goal. No final decision made yet on fate of Dr. Zakhem. Schieffelin speaks on land use at Homebuilders banquet. Preregistration for summer.

Dates: 1973 May 21

The Denver Clarion, vol. 78, issue 5, 1973 July 11

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v078i05_19730711
Abstract

KCFR to install new transmitter. Campus journalists laud new drinking fountain. Tennis playoffs continue this week. Mental health staff receives new chief. Lecture topic: Eurodollars’. Housing outlook to be discussed.

Dates: 1973 July 11

The Denver Clarion, vol. 78, issue 12, 1973 September 26

 Item
Identifier: clarion_v078i12_19730926
Abstract

Brewer promoted. KCFR to increase power. School of Social Work offers new courses. Classified.

Dates: 1973 September 26

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 12
Collection 2
 
Subject
Radio programs 2
Student registration 2
Athletic Facility 1
Courses and lectures 1
Dance 1