Radio KRFC-FM (Homegrown)

KRFC (88.9 FM) is a community-based, radio station located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The station is owned and operated by Public Radio for the Front Range. The station's programming is for the most part, with the exception of several syndicated shows, composed of volunteer DJs of various genres, and has a creative format. Although similar in funding strategies to a traditional public radio station, KRFC is not a member of any of the major networks such as NPR or Pacifica.

Public Radio for the Front Range (PRFR) was started by a group of former DJs from KCSU. DJs who were not students were forced to leave after KCSU's underwriter, Colorado State University, decided to make KCSU solely student-run. In September 1995, PRFR was given IRS 501(C)(3) non-profit status.

By the summer of 1996, PRFR had applied for a construction permit for 88.9 MHz, only to be challenged by several Christian broadcasting groups. In 1997, PRFR went into negotiations with Colorado Christian University to share 88.9 MHz. These negotiations failed, and in the spring of 1998, PRFR applied for 89.7 MHz. In 2000, the group applied for a frequency in the low-power jurisdiction; another Christian group applied for the same frequency, leading to delay.

Finally, after successful negotiations, PRFR came into agreement with the other applicants that they would receive 88.9 MHz. The agreement was submitted to the FCC on July 7, 2002, the FCC granted PRFR a construction permit for a 3,000 watt non-commercial radio station. KRFC began broadcasting on March 1, 2003.

Today, KRFC has grown, and in 2004, completed the construction and expansion of its studios. Its facilities include three separate studios, all of which have the ability to broadcast live. Volunteers continue to make up the majority of KRFC's workforce, with the exception of 5 office employees: Lindsey Buchheit, Development Coordinator; Andrea Bradstreet, Volunteer Coordinator; Dennis Bigelow, Music Director & Live@Lunch Coordinator; David Peterson, News Coordinator; and Chris Kennison, Station Manager (Exec. Dir. for the non-profit).