KANU Radio's broadcast signal returns to Emporia after nearly 2 years

LAWRENCE -- Thanks to a recently installed 3,000-watt transmitter, broadcasting as 89.7 KANH-FM, KANU Radio's coverage has expanded to the Emporia area. KANU is the public radio station at the University of Kansas.

Listeners in Emporia and Lyon County can tune their radios to 89.7 for KANU's award-winning mix of National Public Radio, classical music, jazz, bluegrass, and state news and information.

The transmitter project cost more than $150,000.

Since April 27, Emporia listeners have been part of Kansas Public Radio's coverage area. Kansas Public Radio is a consortium of stations that blankets the state with news, music programming and services such as Audio-Reader, a closed-circuit broadcast that reads books, magazines and newspapers to blind and visually impaired listeners.

Another benefit of KANU's expansion: More Lyon County residents can receive Audio-Reader's broadcasts.

Emporia-area listeners currently receive Audio-Reader broadcasts via special cable radios. However, cable does not reach the rural areas of Lyon County, making Audio-Reader's broadcasts inaccessible to rural residents. These listeners will be able to trade in their old cable radios for new closed-circuit models, and many rural Lyon County residents who are print-handicapped will be able to receive Audio-Reader's special radio broadcasts for the first time.

"We're delighted to once again provide public radio to Emporia and the surrounding area. When we lost the signal on July 27, 2000, we heard from so many listeners, that we knew we had a firm listening base in the area," said Janet Campbell, general manager of KANU in Lawrence. "Although this was a costly endeavor, we're comfortable knowing that public radio is wanted in Emporia and we're confident that listeners will financially support the station."

KANU's unique blend of classical music, jazz and news programming recently earned the station its sixth consecutive award as the noncommercial station of the year.

The return of KANU's broadcast signal was a team effort, Campbell said.

"We especially want to thank Dr. Brock Kretsinger, a member of the KANU Advisory Board, and (Emporia State University) President Kay Schallenkamp for their continued support," Campbell said. "The two years we were off the air were two years too long."

Schallenkamp said Emporia listeners appreciate the hard work it took to get the signal back on the airwaves.

"After a long and silent hiatus, it is wonderful to have KANU back on the air in Emporia," Schallenkamp said. "The efforts of residents throughout the listening area and the KANU staff demonstrate the strength of collaboration in getting positive results. The wonderful mix of programming available will benefit a wide range of listeners."

KANU is proud to once again serve the Emporia area and, as a partner in Kansas Public Radio, expects to bring back its signal to Manhattan soon.

For more information about KANU, contact Janet Campbell, jcampbell@ku.edu, (785) 864-4603. For information about receiving Audio-Reader's free services, call 800-772-8898.