KVNF History

KVNF is a noncommercial, community-oriented public radio station that officially broadcast for the first time in October 1979, bringing public radio to the North Fork Valley. Starting from 10 watts of power, KVNF grew to 500 and then to 3000 watts, with a small network of translators and a full-powered repeater sprouting up in places from Delta, Montrose, Ridgway and Ouray to Lake City, Nucla, Norwood and Grand Junction and throughout the Grand Valley.

As KVNF grew to serve the informational needs of Western Colorado and the demand for programming from National Public Radio grew, KVNF became the first station to offer NPR to Western Colorado in 1983. Unfortunately, KVNF could not afford the full membership dues, but after a few years and some heavy lobbying, KVNF was instrumental in creating a new category of NPR membership, "auxiliary membership", in 1986.

Today, KVNF is a regional station that serves communities throughout Western Colorado with NPR news, local information and diverse music, focusing on the needs of the often rural and isolated areas that make up our listening area. Our programming serves the listener demand for high quality news, culture and entertainment, while also expressing the grassroots and creative nature of volunteer-based, community-oriented public radio.