Background Statement
Colorado Public Radio's roots trace back to 1970, when KCFR launched on the University of Denver campus as Denver's first non-commercial public radio station. KCFR joined NPR in 1973 and became independent from DU in 1984. That same year, KPRN in Grand Junction began broadcasting, extending public radio to western Colorado.
In 1991, KPRN and KCFR merged to form Colorado Public Radio. The following decades saw CPR's network expand through community support. Initially offering a mix of news and classical music, CPR transitioned to separate full-time news and classical services in 2001.
CPR's third service, OpenAir, debuted in 2011, showcasing new and independent music with a focus on Colorado's local scene. Rebranded as Indie 102.3 in 2019, it now reaches listeners from the Front Range to Glenwood Springs.
Furthering its commitment to local journalism, CPR acquired the news site Denverite in 2019. In 2020, a partnership with Colorado College brought Colorado Springs-based KRCC into the CPR network.
Today, CPR's radio signals reach the areas where over 90% of Colorado's population lives. Beyond traditional broadcasting, CPR offers comprehensive online news, original podcasts, and cultural events, continuing its mission to inform, inspire and entertain Coloradans and beyond.
Your gift helps CPR toward our goal of inspiring, informing and entertaining Coloradans. We’re grateful for your support.