KRPS celebrates 20 years of broadcasting

Many people in the 80-mile radius around Pittsburg State University find it hard to remember a time when Public Radio was not a part of their lives. But 20 years ago, the Four-State area was one of those parts of the U.S. that lacked a Public Radio station. That all changed on April 29, 1988, when KRPS – 89.9 FM went on the air.

Today, KRPS is part of each day for thousands of listeners in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

To commemorate it’s 20th anniversary KRPS will broadcast a series of interviews, on April 29, from people who have been part of the station’s life. From 3:55 until 4 p.m., the station will air a montage to mark the precise time that the KRPS signal was first broadcast.

After 20 years, KRPS remains the only NPR broadcasting station in the four-state area.

General Manager Missi Kelly said that while KRPS programming has changed to meet the desires of its listeners, the station has remained true to its original purpose and has continued to grow.

“We offer classical music and jazz programming that isn’t found on other regional commercial formats, “ said Kelly.

She added that the station offers the benefit of local announcers during daily programming and local news stories, as well as public service announcements and a calendar of events to publicize area events for the arts.

“We continue to sustain and grow in programming,” said Kelly.

---Pitt State---