Members of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio stations (Ampers)— which includes local radio station WTIP—voted to approve membership applications from KOJB-FM (90.1 FM The Eagle) serving the entire Leech Lake Reservation and KBFT (89.9 FM) serving Nett Lake. With the additional stations, Ampers now has 14 individual member stations. Ampers is the largest network of community radio stations in Minnesota and one of the largest of its kind in the nation.
KOJB is licensed to and operated by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and KBFT is licensed to and operated by Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The educational mission of KOJB is to enhance the history, language, and way of life of the Anishinaabeg people as well as airing national Native American media and noncommercial programming.
KOJB Station Manager Brad Walhof says, “KOJB brings educational programming, news, history and entertainment to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community. Our programming targets all residents in the counties of Itasca, Cass, Hubbard and Beltrami; to populations to help increase intercultural competency.”
KBFT General Manager George Strong says his station’s programming will be very diverse. “We’ll have programs on Bois Forte history and culture including original Anishinabemoen language components,” Strong said. “We also have hosts interested in producing shows featuring blues, jazz, and country.”
“We’re very excited to have these two new stations as part of our group,” Ampers President Michele Jansen said. “Unfortunately in these difficult economic times many community stations are closing their doors. It’s great to see Minnesota bucking that trend and adding community stations.”
Ampers has no affiliation with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and receives no financial support from MPR.
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