KGNU is an independent, noncommercial community radio station licensed in Boulder and Denver, dedicated to serving its listeners.
We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals, groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media. The station seeks to expand the listening audience through the excellence of its programming without compromising the principles stated here.
KGNU was founded in the mid-1970s by a group of Boulder residents intent on bringing a unique broadcasting model to the Boulder/Metro area: community-powered radio. Founders envisioned a radio station where diverse music and news could be broadcast free of commercial considerations, a station where members of the community could have in-depth discussions of local and global issues, and a station where diverse peoples could take to the airwaves to reflect community interests.
Forty-six years on, KGNU continues to provide mission-driven programming produced primarily by volunteers. The need for community media that provides local and community-driven perspectives is even greater in an increasingly corporate-controlled media environment.
Looking to the future, the passage of Boulder's Community, Culture, and Safety Tax ballot measure in November 2017, has set in motion a capital campaign designed to raise $1.25M before the end of this year, with an equal amount to be matched by the City of Boulder. KGNU is actively renovating 1720 14th St, Boulder to be the future home of the Boulder station to create a regional multicultural community media center to serve an even broader demographic.
Current Goals.
The top six Strategic Goals established by KGNU's Living Strategic Plan include:
- Strongly support and exemplify the spirit of community, inclusiveness, and safety in all aspects of KGNU's culture and operations.
- Create an organizational structure that is agile, efficient, and supports growth.
- Upgrade broadcast facilities.
- Provide a vibrant multicultural community media center.
- Secure diverse and sustainable revenue models that predictably Increase contributed and earned revenue.
- Increase civic engagement and community impact.
Current Programs.
KGNU's programs can be summarized in five main categories:
Radio Training Programs: KGNU provides radio broadcast classes and access to recording studios and equipment, training approximately 200 people each year including many youth.
Radio Programs: KGNU provides the airwaves and support for community members to produce programming, broadcasting 18-20 hours of volunteer-produced programming each day. Programming blocks include Local News & Public Affairs, Cultural & Philosophical Talk, National & International News, Eclectic Freeform Music, Local Live Performances, World Music, Reggae & Duo, Classical & Modern Composition, Hip Hop, Funk & Soul, Folk, Country & Bluegrass, Blues, Gospel & Jazz.
Events: KGNU hosts a variety of events comprised of lectures, concerts, and community conversations.
Community Engagement: KGNU offers a month-long exhibition opportunity for visual artists, featuring the artwork of up to six artists each year in its atrium. KGNU also offers the community room free of charge to nonprofit organizations and a variety of groups.
Examples of community-produced programming on KGNU include:
Community-produced calendars including KGNU Presents, Concert, Bluegrass, Blues, Arts, and Events Calendars.
Metro Arts, a weekly magazine features interviews of visual and performing artists, book and movie reviews, and other news pertinent to the arts.
Organization name
KGNU Radio
other names
KGNU, KGNU Community Radio, Boulder Community Broadcast Association Inc.
1978
Tax id (EIN)
84-0690097
Category
Public & Societal Benefit, Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
4700 Walnut StreetOther
2101 Arapahoe Street Third FloorBoulder County, CO, US
Denver County, CO, US