KCFR 90.1FM University of Denver Public Radio Records

Collection

Identifier: U181

Staff Only

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 University of Denver and the station license was transferred to a community board of directors; the station became part of Colorado Public Radio.

Spanning the years of 1964 to 1981, the records of the KCFR radio station, a University of Denver established station, relate to its business operations. Containing financial documents and news releases, they reflect the history and growth of the station from a tiny, ten watt production to an independent National Public Radio affiliate which is still in operation today.

Dates

1964-1983

Creator

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

Biographical / Historical

KCFR, Colorado Free Radio, 90.1FM, began official operation in November 1970. Established by the University of Denver, it was staffed by students desiring hands-on experience in radio production. The station first operated at ten watts, with three salaried employees and 24 volunteers. During its history it published two monthly publications, Wasteland and Selections. Wayne Roth was the general manager of the station from 1970 to 1978. He moved on to become the Associate Director of Radio for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. Max Wycisk replaced Roth in July 1978 after serving as KCFR's program director for the previous five years. In time, KCFR grew to become a highly professional and socially effective station despite its limited funding. In 1973, the Federal Communications Commission granted the station permission to expand to 30,000 watts. This power increase qualified KCFR to become a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. In 1984, the station separated its affiliation from the University of Denver when its license was transfered to its community board of directors.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (4 half-legal document boxes)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The KCFR (Colorado Free Radio) records span the years from 1964 to 1983 and includes its administrative records: Constitution, amendments, annual reports, budget proposals, and the station's budget in relation to Colorado Public Broadcasting's support of the station. There are also memorandums, press releases, letters and other communications concerning the station from DU chancellors, vice chancellors, radio managers, All University Student Association Senate members, and other individuals who contributed to the station. There are also other types of news releases, newspaper clippings, and promotional information spanning from 1970 to 1980. The records contain materials from the station's Radio Board, including planning and development documents, grants, agendas and board meeting minutes from that same decade. A small selection of surveys and applicant resumes are also included.