ABOUT KRPR 89.9
Mission Statement
KRPR offers informational and educationally based programming designed to enhance the lives of its audience by expanding cultural perspectives, foster knowledge, and assist in strengthening their communities.
Afilliations
AMPERS
AMPERS (the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations), is the second largest public radio network in the state of Minnesota and one of the largest public radio networks of its kind in the United States. Each member station is independently licensed and managed, locally responsive, and community-based. Ampers is comprised of 17 independent public radio stations, covering the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund
In the 2008 election, Minnesota passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The purpose of the amendment is to take three-eighths of one percent of general sales tax until 2034, and distribute the funds to distinctly Minnesotan programs.
For any questions or concerns regarding the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund or other grants and Rochester Public Radio, please contact:
Todd Brakke
PO Box 7295
Rochester, MN 55903
507-288-6900
todd@krpr.org
What is KRPR?
If you grew up listening to underground, progressive, free form radio of the 60’s and 70’s, or if you’re just discovering or rediscovering the “golden age of rock” for the first time, welcome home!
KRPR has always been a rock station. We began playing this music before it was classic! However, we are not a typical classic rock station playing the same 400 songs over and over again. We are all about the music. Whether we are presenting a solid gold, top of the charts hit song or a seldom heard album gem, our goal is to deliver the most music, with the respect and quality it deserves…because, afterall, music is history.
History
KRPR began broadcasting as a campus based radio station at Rochester Community College, now Rochester Community and Technical College. 89.9 began over the air delivery to Rochester in 1975, broadcasting from downtown Rochester, atop the Mayo Clinic building.
A facility upgrade saw our broadcast location move just east of the city by the early 1980’s. By the mid 1990’s, with interest in broadcast cirricula on the decline, RCC sought to sell KRPR to new owners. In 1997, Rochester Public Radio, a new not for profit corporation, was formed to become the guardians of KRPR 89.9, maintaining the station as a locally owned, locally programmed radio resource.
Under new ownership, KRPR’s aging equipment and facilities were once again upgraded in 2003 to its current 50 mile coverage radius with pristine audio quality. It is through generous business support and individual donors that KRPR continues to serve the Rochester region with community outreach, educational programming, and a diverse, unique, and often eclectic rock format.