September 30, 2009

Catholic Radio station KPIO celebrates one year

By John Gleason

n this economic climate, for a business to survive its first year of operation is quite an accomplishment.  For a nonprofit organization, the word “miraculous” might be better suited.

On Sept. 23, the feast of St. Padre Pio, Catholic Radio KPIO 1570-AM in Loveland marked its first anniversary of being on the air. To celebrate, the station held a pledge drive.

For John Koenig, KPIO station manager, working a fundraiser is nothing new.  Having worked for both Catholic Radio Network, which operates KPIO, and Radio Maria, Koenig said the process of fundraising can be challenging and fun at the same time.

“The cost of running KPIO is $42 per hour,” he said.  “That takes into account power, lights, programming, salary—everything.  This week we broke from traditional programming to ask our listeners to help us stay on the air.”

KPIO is one of seven stations in the Catholic Radio Network.  The organization has stations in Colorado, Kansas and Missouri, where the headquarters is located. 
KPIO’s mission is to teach the truth and traditions of the Catholic faith.  Located on the south side of Loveland, the station’s 7,000-watt signal reaches an audience from just over the Wyoming border to the southern suburbs of Denver.

“I know of people in Parker and Fort Morgan who listen all the time,” Koenig said.  “The coverage is pretty good.”

And while the audience may not be as large as those found on your favorite commercial radio station, Koenig said that more people find out everyday about the insightful and thought-provoking programs KPIO has to offer.

“We have a line-up of good programming from EWTN,” Koenig said.  “Weekdays we carry ‘Life is Worth Living’ with Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Father Mitch Pacwa, apologist Tim Staples and of course Mother Angelica, just to name a few.”

Other national programs carried on KPIO include “Theology of the Body for Teens” and “Catholic Answers,” a national call-in talk program. Koenig said he wants to bring in local content as well.

“I’m looking at short segments—personality and biography pieces—and also to keep people aware of what events are coming up,” he said. “We want to extend our hand to as many different organizations as possible.  I see the station as a springboard where the Archdiocese of Denver can promote events they want to get people to.”

The station is not owned by the Archdiocese of Denver but is faithful to the magisterium of the Church and is loyal to Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. With no advertising, the station is dependent on listener donations.

“I’m excited for our future,” Koenig said.  “We’ve had people come in this week to participate and pledge their support.”

That support helps the station achieve its goals, which Koenig explained are “to reach as many people as we can, spread the word of the new evangelization and bring more souls to Christ.”

Jim O’Laughlin, president of the Catholic Radio Network, flew in from the Kansas City, Mo., headquarters to take part in the anniversary week.  He said the way so many faithful jumped in to help the station with its pledge drive and set to their tasks with a good spirit made him smile.

“This has been going great and has been a lot of fun,” he said. “Everyone has a good time when they get in the studio and we’ve had many, many wonderful testimonials from people who have shared how God has helped them.”

O’Laughlin added that he wasn’t surprised at the outpouring of support.

“Last week we held a pledge drive in Kansas City,” he said, “and I can’t tell you how many times I heard people there talk about coming back to the faith because of what they heard on Catholic radio.  One man even called it ‘The Learning Channel.’

“Look at what you have here,” O’Laughlin said.  “The programming offers apologetics, Catholic answers (and) testimonials.

“It’s like having access to a wonderful homily,” he added. “A homily that is available all day, everyday.”

Although KPIO’s anniversary pledge drive ended last week, Koenig said that anyone who would like to make a pledge may still do so by calling the studio at 970-669-8000.

KPIO Catholic Radio

Call letters: KPIO 1570-AM in Loveland
Online: www.thecatholicradionetwork.com/kpio.html
To donate: make a pledge at 970-669-8000