KRPS Public Radio expands to three hi-def channels

KRPS 89.9 FM, the public radio station serving the Four State Area from Pittsburg State University, has launched two new HD channels, tripling its offerings to listeners.

With the addition of 89.9 HD-2 and 89.9 HD-3, listeners now can enjoy NPR News, 24/7 classical music and BBC World News - all with crystal-clear, near-CD quality sound.

This milestone was made possible by the installation of a new transmitter, the first major equipment upgrade in 18 years. Funded by a grant that included $185,000 dedicated to the transmitter, this state-of-the-art technology enables KRPS to provide multiple HD channels on the same frequency.

"Think about the first iPhone versus what we have today, and all that's happened with technology in those years," said KRPS General Manager Fred Fletcher-Fierro.

Listeners equipped with an HD receiver can easily access the new channels by tuning to 89.9 and toggling through HD-2 and HD-3. For those with compatible car radios, channel names and icons will display on the dashboard.

"The ability to launch new HD channels and expand our programming without any additional costs for content is a game changer," Fletcher-Fierro said.

Expanded programming

BBC World News(HD-3) is now available 24/7. The BBC's global, independent coverage offers live updates on major events from trusted voices stationed worldwide. The channel provides a unique perspective on international affairs, including ongoing coverage of regions like Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East.

Classical Music(HD-2) offers a dedicated 24/7 stream of classical programming, catering to music lovers in the region.

KRPS's flagship NPR programming, including popular shows like Morning Editionand Here and Now,remains on the main channel (HD-1), which has also been upgraded to high-definition quality.

Overcoming challenges

The station's journey to this achievement was not without hurdles. The station moved this fall from Shirk Hall, which will be razed, to a new facility in Grubbs Hall, and now operates entirely via Pitt State's internet infrastructure.

With no satellite dish for the first time in its 36-year history, the university's IT specialists helped to relocate the stations receivers, resolve delays, and troubleshoot challenges that arose during the change-over.

"This was a collaborative effort," Fletcher-Fierro said. "Special thanks to the IT team whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in making this possible."

Enhancing accessibility

The expansion underscores KRPS's commitment to reducing barriers and broadening access to quality news and cultural programming. The region is limited in traditional news coverage, Fletcher-Fierro pointed out, and the new HD channels open a window to the world, free from subscription fees or log-ins, to anyone in the coverage area.

"We've tripled what's accessible for our listeners," he said. "I hope this attracts new audiences while bringing back some who may have drifted away."

Meanwhile, work began last week to prepare a site in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts as the new, permanent location of the station. It will be housed in an area previously occupied by the O. Gene Bicknell Museum. Artifacts and displays from that museum were last week put carefully into storage until a space adjacent to the art gallery in the Bicknell Center has been remodeled to accommodate it. Plans call for the station to move into the Bicknell Center in 2025.

About KRPS

KRPS 89.9 FM is a listener-supported public radio station based at Pittsburg State University, serving Southeast Kansas, Northeast Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, and Northwest Arkansas. The station provides a mix of news, music, and cultural programming to enrich the lives of its diverse audience.

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