KAFA-FM

KAFA-FM (97.7 FM, "The New 97.7"), originally started in 1964,[1] is the unlicensed United States Air Force Academy cadet radio station. Run and staffed by current Officer Cadets[2] and limited permanent party members, KAFA is the voice of cadets to the Colorado Springs area. With no formal budget or permanent staff, KAFA had no set transmission hours or format. The frequency was changed from 104.5 FM in October 1993 to 104.3 FM[2] where it stood until June 2006.[3]

KAFA-FM
CityColorado Springs, Colorado
Frequency97.7 MHz
BrandingThe New 97.7
Slogan"Your Music, Your Station"
Programming
FormatRock, Alternative Rock
Ownership
OwnerUnited States Air Force Academy
History
First air date
February 1964[1]
Former frequencies
104.5 MHz (?-1993)
104.3MHz (1993-2006)
Call sign meaning
K Air Force Academy
Technical information
Facility IDnone (unlicensed station)
Classnone (unlicensed station)
ERP20 watts, currently upgrading to 100
HAAT30 feet
Transmitter coordinates
unknown
Links
WebcastKAFA listen live
WebsiteKAFA-FM Online

In 2004, KAFA was given a grant and updated its studio to current radio broadcasting industry standards with the introduction of Prophet Systems software and Dell computers. In June 2006, KAFA changed frequency to 97.7 FM. The station subsequently solidified a format of Alternative rock and Indie rock branded as "The New 97.7". With the change to a new format came new popularity. The station has a large on-line web audience. The programming also allows distinct DJs and personalities to maintain their own distinct shows, most notably, "Dan and Dave," their most popular show.

Website

The website is currently maintained under the United States Air Force Academy Wing Media page.

In October 2006, KAFA began to research online streaming opportunities in order to have streaming available to the general public in 2008. In January 2008, a small test stream was established but due to bandwidth restrictions allowing only five people to listen simultaneously, the link was not made public. In the spring of 2008, KAFA secured the proper streaming software and obtained bandwidth and funding from the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. At 1600 MDT on May 1, 2008, KAFA went live worldwide, broadcasting the stream at a high quality 128kbit/s. The stream can be obtained at https://www.usafa.org/kafa

References
  1. Fagan, George V. The United States Air Force Academy, a Bibliography: 1954-1964. The Staff of the U.S.A.F. Reference Library. Colorado Springs, Colorado: DIANE Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 1-4289-9407-6. USAFARP 212-1. 1191 - KAFA Goes On The Air, Talon 9-21, February 1964.
  2. "Crack Map mystery for $1000 reward". Colorado Springs Gazette. 1993-10-23. Also on the radio scene, the Air Force Academy station KAFA has moved to 104.3 on the dial. The station features cadet disc jockeys and progressive rock music.
  3. "Springs TV/Radio News Roundup". Colorado Springs Gazette. 2006-01-21. KAFA switching frequencies The Air Force Academy cadet station KAFA (104.3 FM) has agreed to switch its frequency to clear the air for country station KKCS (104.5 FM). A dispute over the frequency has been simmering since KKCS switched to 104.5 FM from 101.9 FM in early December.


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