Tribe expands reach of KCNP community radio

This article appeared in the March 2016 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation is expanding its radio reach in south central Oklahoma with broadcasts from the Dickson-Ardmore area.

Governor Bill Anoatubby said the reach of the KCNP signal is being expanded to better serve communities throughout the Chickasaw Nation.

"KCNP is a significant part of our effort to provide information to the people we serve," Gov. Anoatubby said. "We expanded the reach of our signal to better serve our audience, because our listeners live and work in all parts of the Chickasaw Nation."

The Dickson tower sprang to life Dec. 15 as 89.3 FM. Content from the tribe's community radio station in Ada - KCNP 89.5 FM - is being broadcast to an estimated 86,000 additional listeners, according to Brian Brashier, KCNP manager.

The radio station is classified as a Non-Commercial/Educational station because it does not include commercial announcements or business advertisement.

"Community radio is a term referring to stations that broadcast programming which serves the flavor of interest of its geographical community with programs of interests on varying topics," Mr. Brashier said. "South central Oklahoma is a diverse mix of people with a wide variety of interests. KCNP broadcasts the widest variety of music on any station in the southern Oklahoma region.”

The latest acquisitions by the Chickasaw Nation will air events and programs affecting Chickasaw people and their neighbors featured in many public affairs interviews.

"KCNP airs news from around the world from the Associated Press and also broadcasts news and sports from around Oklahoma, plus local news segments,” Mr. Brashier said.

The news is offered between 7 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, the KCNP staff includes a National Weather Service-trained storm spotter and is a member of OKFirst, a network of weather, public safety and media professionals working together to coordinate alerts for the safety of Oklahomans. All of this will be available to listeners at the two newly-established radio stations.

KCNP's seasoned staff features Mike Manos in the morning and Tishia Agee in the afternoon.

Mr. Brashier began his career in 1980 in Paris, Texas, and was active as a television weather anchor in Oklahoma and Texas for several years.

Operation duties for KCNP are handled by Shana Poe, who has 20 years of experience in business operations.

KCNP can be accessed globally by going to www.kcnpradio.org.