Local NPR affiliate, KCPW, increasing its reach

KCPW radio has a much wider reach now that it is simulcasting on AM-1010.

According to station manager Vicki Mann, KCPW is still fine-tuning its AM-1010 signal, but she's pleased to report that listeners as far south as Cedar City and as far north as Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, are getting the signal. (Previously, the station was only heard in the Salt Lake area on FM-88.3 and FM-105.3.)

"People are happy that they can take KCPW with them on the road," Mann said.

KCPW, a National Public Radio affiliate, is owned by Community Wireless of Park City, which also owns sister station KPCW. Community Wireless purchased the AM-1010 station after the former KIQN went bankrupt last year.

Mann said there's no decision yet as to whether AM-1010 will offer separate programming.

While KUER (FM-90.1) has a fleet of translator stations that carry NPR and local programming throughout much of Utah, KCPW does not. But the AM-1010 signal is the next best thing.

"It's a work in progress," Mann said. "The feedback on the signal has been very positive."

She also said FM-105.3 was designed to move the KCPW signal north into Davis County. That hasn't worked as well as was hoped, so KCPW will also fine-tune that signal in the near future.

Mann also said KCPW's new office and studios in Library Square, 210 E. 400 South, are also working out well. "It's a fabulous location. It gives us a lot more flexibility."

KCPW begins each day with NPR's "Morning Edition" from 5-9 a.m. Jennifer Napier-Pearce provides a local slant during those hours. From 3-5:30 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. the station airs NPR's "All Things Considered," with Bryan Schott as the local host. KCPW, which is also affiliated with the BBC network, airs "World Service" Saturdays and Sundays from 5-6 a.m. The station also carries local debates and programs that other local stations don't.

A complete programming schedule is online at www.kcpw.org..

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