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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.

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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.

  • October 1950: KANW begins broadcasting, becoming New Mexico's first FM station.
  • Late 2016: Acquisition of KANM (90.3 FM) and KGGA (88.1 FM) from Educational Media Foundation.
  • February 2021: Announcement of a collaboration with KEDP (91.1 FM) in Las Vegas, NM, leading to an FCC application to transfer its license to Albuquerque Public Schools.
  • August 2022: KANW takes over operations of KXNM 88.7 FM, expanding service to communities east of Albuquerque.

Technical Specifications

Core Station Data

KANW operates under FCC regulations, with specific technical parameters defining its broadcast capabilities:

Parameter KANW KANR / KIDS KANM
Frequency 89.1 MHz (HD Radio) 91.9 MHz / 88.1 MHz 90.3 MHz
Facility ID 4273 93046 / 93047 83874
Class C A C2
ERP (Watts) 20,000 W 100 W 1,000 W
HAAT (ft) 4,154 ft (1,266 m) -26 ft (-8 m) 2,713 ft (827 m)
Coordinates 35°12′44″N 106°26′59″W 34°57′20.2″N 104°40′55″W / 35°7′9″N 107°54′2″W 35°15′8″N 107°35′45″W

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.

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References

References

  1.  [1] KXNM Facebook post
A full list of references for this article are available at the KANW Wikipedia page

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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.