KCPW is Utah’s first 24-hour commercial-free news and information station. Its format brought something unique to the Salt Lake market back in the mid-90’s: a daytime programming schedule that featured high-quality national and international programs, supplemented by local and even “hyperlocal” programs. KCPW continues today to be a fiercely independent, membership-supported, local source of in-depth public radio news and information for Salt Lake area listeners.
MISSION:
- Create informed and engaged citizens by providing in-depth local, national and international news and presenting local lectures, events, and special broadcasts
- Connect and involve our audience by presenting news, lectures, local events and special broadcasts related to politics, the environment, education and business
- Foster and strengthen the community by partnering with local business and non-profit organizations
- Act as a lifelong resource, so that we may all grow and improve public discourse
KCPW’s History
Founded in November 1992, KCPW’s first studios were located in Park City, Utah, while the station broadcast to an audience in the Salt Lake Valley. The station was created as a “sister station” to KPCW, which broadcast to the Park City area but did not reach Salt Lake City.
Later, the station moved to a small trailer on the campus of Westminster College and eventually landed in the exterior wall of Salt Lake City’s flagship Main Library — where the station still is today.
When KCPW came on air, its format brought something unique to the Salt Lake City market: a daytime programming schedule that featured high-quality national and international programs, supplemented by local and even “hyperlocal” programs like Midday Utah and Talk of the City. These programs discussed issues including business, education, politics, transportation, the environment, and recreation from the perspective of residents along the Wasatch Front.
At the time, the other public radio stations serving the Salt Lake City market had programming that was largely music-focused. While the media landscape has changed significantly over the past three decades, KCPW remains committed to quality news and ideas that inform, educate and inspire.
