KDNK is a community-access station operated by Carbondale Community Access Radio, Inc. Volunteers founded the station in 1983 in downtown Carbondale; the call sign’s DNK refers to the Dinkel Building, where its first studio was located. The FCC lists Glenwood Springs as the station’s community of license, while KDNK’s studios are in Carbondale.
The station’s public-access mission centers local participation and community connection. Its programming includes locally produced news and public-affairs shows, volunteer-hosted music programs, and selected national and regional programs. KDNK also works with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, which gives young people an on-air role and produces six hours of weekly programming.
KDNK’s main signal is 88.1 FM, complemented by a translator network serving communities across the Roaring Fork region and nearby mountain communities. The station’s published frequency map lists 88.1 in Carbondale, 88.3 in Aspen, 88.5 in Basalt, 93.5 in Leadville, 94.7 in Old Snowmass, 94.9 in Thomasville, and 99.9 in Snowmass Village; the station’s About page also describes reception in additional communities including Glenwood Springs, Rifle, and Redstone.
Frequency: 88.1 FM (main signal)
Community of license: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Studio: Carbondale, Colorado
Licensee: Carbondale Community Access Radio, Inc.
2024 CBA Awards: Award of Excellence: Best Public Affairs Program, “Immigrant Stories” (Kathleen Fitzsimmons and Walter Gallacher). Official CBA 2024 results.
Sources: KDNK About and station history; KDNK frequency map; FCC public inspection file.
Awards & Recognitions
Documented awards, honors, and finalist or nomination recognition associated with this station or broadcaster.
- 2024Award of ExcellenceColorado Broadcasters AssociationBest Public Affairs ProgramImmigrant Stories — Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Walter Gallacher2024 Medium Market Radio results
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KDNK-FM History
Volunteers found KDNK community radio in Carbondale
1983 – Volunteers founded KDNK as a community-access radio station in Carbondale. The station traces the "DNK" in its call sign to the Dinkel Building, where its first studio was located. KDNK's origin established a locally rooted service that continues to connect people across the Roaring Fork region.
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