One More Reason to Support KKFI 90.1 FM: Artists Making Art

KKFI 90.1 FM is significantly different from other area radio stations and programs that have a community focus, and this is the reason why I support the community radio station. 

What makes KKFI different is that the hosts of several shows are active members of communities tapping into their networks or communities at a different level -- artists making art, musicians creating music, activists molding social action.

Several radio shows on the KKFI feature topics and guests that are anchored in our local community, like "Eco Radio KC," produced by Steve Mann, active in the urban farming movement. And several music shows allow musicians to discuss and perform their music. In some cases the program host is a musician, like jazz musician Jeff Harshbarger, host of Jazz Afternoon on Wednesdays.

Hosts of public affairs programs interview local government officials, community organization representatives, and activists for a variety of causes. One example, the "Arts Magazine," a KKFI weekly show on Mondays at Noon, features information and interviews with representatives and actors from theatre companies. Other shows focus on the culture and contributions of ethnic groups -- Latino, Persian-language, Native American, to name a few -- airing news and voices from these communities.

Several shows on other Kansas City stations have a community focus, namely KC Currents on KCUR, “La Revista” on KUKC, an affiliate of Univision cable television, Kansas Public Radio has the “Kansas Health Series,” while KPRT-AM 1590 has “Highlights in Health” with representatives of Samuel U Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City.

But KKFI is immersed in community affairs -- “embedded” radio -- providing not just a different mold but also a crucial spirited interest in art and community. In a phrase, KKFI is anchored by community members sharing their community and knowledge.
This approach is just one more reason to support KKFI during its on-air Winter 2012 Fund Drive held February 2-12 with a goal to raise $75,000. To support KKFI during the fund drive call 888-931-0901 or donate online at http://kkfi.org/donate.php.

Matt Quinn
Member of the KKFI 90.1 FM Board of Directors

Location: Kansas City, MO, USA

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