The Airwaves of Knowledge
An exploration of KANW, a cornerstone of public and educational broadcasting in New Mexico, serving communities with news, music, and information.
Discover KANW 👇 Explore Programs 🎶Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
About KANW
A Public Service Voice
KANW, broadcasting on 89.1 FM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, operates as a non-commercial public radio station. It is uniquely owned and managed by the Albuquerque Public Schools, underscoring its deep commitment to educational outreach and community service.
Diverse Programming Mix
The station's weekday schedule features a blend of New Mexico music and local public radio programming during afternoons and evenings. Mornings are dedicated to esteemed NPR news programs such as Morning Edition, Fresh Air, On Point, and 1A. Weekends expand the offering to include classical music, classic country, and additional NPR weekend features like The New Yorker Radio Hour and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.
Expanding Reach
KANW's signal extends beyond Albuquerque through a network of translators and affiliated stations, ensuring its programming reaches a broader audience across New Mexico. Its HD2 digital subchannel provides an all-news and information service, further enhancing accessibility.
Broadcast Network
Core Stations
KANW serves as the flagship station, broadcasting from Albuquerque. Its network includes:
- KANW: 89.1 MHz (Albuquerque, NM) - Primary signal, HD Radio capable.
- KANR: 91.9 MHz (Santa Rosa, NM) - Simulcasts KANW's main programming.
- KIDS: 88.1 MHz (Grants, NM) - Also carries KANW's main programming.
- KANM: 90.3 MHz (Grants, NM) - Carries the news and talk format from KANW-HD2.
Translator Network
To extend its reach, KANW utilizes several FM translator stations, relaying its programming to communities that might otherwise lack adequate reception. These include:
- K216GQ (91.1 MHz) serving Española, New Mexico.
- K216AW (91.9 MHz) serving Grants, New Mexico.
- K298BY (107.5 MHz) serving Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Additionally, KANW's programming is simulcast on other stations like KGGA 88.1 in Gallup and KEDP 91.1 in Las Vegas, NM, through operational agreements.
Digital Services
KANW offers advanced digital broadcasting capabilities:
- KANW-HD2: This digital subchannel broadcasts a continuous stream of news, information, and talk programming, drawing from NPR, PRI, and APM.
- HD Radio Technology: The main 89.1 MHz frequency supports HD Radio, enabling higher fidelity audio and digital subchannels.
Programming Details
News and Talk
As an NPR member station, KANW provides comprehensive news coverage. Key programs include:
- Morning Edition
- Fresh Air with Terry Gross
- On Point
- 1A
- Weekend NPR programming such as The New Yorker Radio Hour and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.
The KANW-HD2 service offers an uninterrupted feed of these news and talk programs.
Music and Local Content
KANW distinguishes itself with a strong focus on local and regional music, particularly New Mexico music, featured during weekday afternoons and evenings. The programming also includes dedicated blocks of classical music and classic country music on weekends, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of the region.
Station History
Foundational Years
KANW signed on the air in October 1950, establishing itself as the first FM radio station in New Mexico. Its inception was driven by the need for educational broadcasts for students within the Albuquerque Public Schools system. It also served as a vital training ground for students aspiring to careers in broadcasting.
Expansion and Evolution
In late 2016, KANW expanded its reach by acquiring two stations, KANM (formerly KDRI) and KGGA (formerly Air 1), from the Christian radio network Educational Media Foundation. This acquisition brought additional frequencies and broadened KANW's service area, particularly in the Grants region. KANM was repurposed to carry the news and talk format from KANW-HD2.
Technical Specifications
Core Station Data
KANW operates under FCC regulations, with specific technical parameters defining its broadcast capabilities:
Ownership & Mission
Albuquerque Public Schools
The ownership of KANW by Albuquerque Public Schools is central to its identity and mission. This unique relationship ensures that the station remains dedicated to educational objectives, serving not only as a public radio broadcaster but also as a resource for students and educators. The station's programming aims to inform, educate, and enrich the lives of the community it serves.
Licensing and Compliance
As a licensed broadcast station, KANW adheres to the regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Its operations are managed through the FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS), ensuring compliance with broadcast standards and public file requirements.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Kanw" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- [1] KXNM Facebook post
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcasting, media, or educational services. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.