Listen Up! KSFR expands audience reach to Northern NM
KSFR 101.1 FM radio, an independent community radio station and public service of SFCC, expanded its audience reach when its repeater signal went live this month via KSQR 91.3 FM. The transmitter tower in Questa provides better reception for listeners throughout Northern New Mexico including Taos, Red River, and Española. KSFR’s programming offers an eclectic selection of news, music, lively discussion, and more.
KSFR’s General Manager Tazbah McCullah said, “We’re excited that our dynamic programming is now available to an estimated 8,000 more listeners in Northern New Mexico. The stronger signal will add new listeners who will join the ranks of the thousands of listeners who tune in regularly to KSFR’s award-winning programming.”
The station submitted its application for the repeater to the FCC in 2022. Once approved, KSFR staff worked diligently to launch KSQR. Of course, KSFR can still be heard at 101.1 FM. Listeners hear the station identification of KSFR Santa Fe/White Rock when tuning into KSFR and KSQR Questa/Taos when tuning into KSQR 91.3 FM. The programming is identical; that is why KSQR is referred to as a “repeater” station.
McCullah knows how frustrating it was to get an inconsistent signal from KSFR north of Santa Fe, based on her own travels near Taos. “Sometimes, I could hear the station clearly and other times it was inaudible. It was very inconsistent. We recognized the need to get better coverage. We’re thrilled to be able to provide our content to more people.”
Eric Davis, KSFR’s content director, echoes McCullah’s excitement about KSQR. “As an educational station broadcasting from SFCC, we take the label of a community radio station seriously. We’re excited to expand our community of listeners.”
McCullah emphasizes the rich radio content that is made possible and accessible through the more than 120 producers and hosts. Davis added, “The volunteers are the heart of the station.”
KSFR staff is working on expanding student volunteer and internship opportunities, reaching out to Film, Creative Writing, Audio Production, and Media Arts faculty who know students who would like to gain volunteer experience to expand their résumés.
With the expansion of listeners via KSQR, Davis said he would love to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer reporter from one of the communities north of Santa Fe. KSFR staff appreciates new program suggestions. Contact Davis at eric.davis1@sfcc.edu if you’d like to volunteer your talents.
Visit KSFR.org to stream programming live from anywhere in the world, see the program schedule, as well as listen to recordings and podcasts of news reports and programs.
Operating the station requires financial support. McCullah invites businesses and others who would like to underwrite programming to contact her at tazbah.mccullah@ksfr.org. She greatly values the donors who continue to support KSFR. To make a contribution, click the donate button or send a check or money order to: KSFR Radio 6401 S. Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87508. KSFR is a public service of SFCC.
