Overview:
KXWR-LP, Diné College’s student-centered radio station, is expanding its reach while amplifying student voices, celebrating Diné culture and connecting listeners across the Navajo Nation and beyond.
KXWR-LP, the low-power FM radio station operated by Diné College at 92.1 FM, has evolved from a music-only station into a student-centered platform that reflects Diné culture, amplifies student voices and serves communities across the Navajo Nation and beyond.
Under the direction of Radio Announcer Isaac Madson, KXWR-LP has expanded its programming to put students at the center of the station’s work while advancing the mission of Diné College.
The station broadcasts across a 10-mile area surrounding the college’s campus. Its online stream, however, allows KXWR-LP to reach listeners far beyond the reservation, with people tuning in from cities including Chicago, Albuquerque and Phoenix.
KXWR-LP also partners with KSJD Broadcasting in Cortez, Colorado. The partnership allows the station to air national public radio programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Listeners consequently hear a combination of national and local news, along with stories from communities throughout the Navajo Nation.
The station recently refreshed its website and logo as part of its effort to better reflect its identity. The new design incorporates Diné cultural elements while maintaining a contemporary appearance.
A cornstalk represents knowledge and learning. Lightning reflects its cultural meaning and connection to rain, while weaving symbolizes the station’s goal of bringing stories together.
The station’s traditional Diné College colors—blue, white and yellow—remain part of the design, with green added to represent the cornstalk.
Music connects tradition and contemporary Native voices
Music programming on KXWR-LP is intentionally broad. The station’s rotation includes traditional songs, powwow music and traditional music from other Tribal Nations.
It also features modern Native bands, reservation-based bands and mainstream artists such as Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars.
The approach reflects the diversity of Native American music and demonstrates that Native artists and musical traditions span genres ranging from country and rock to contemporary popular music.
Students at the center
Students are at the heart of KXWR-LP’s mission.
They share stories on the air, record interviews, write blogs and cover campus events using their phones. Madson works with student hosts to develop their on-air skills, encouraging them to speak as though they are talking to one friend rather than addressing a large audience.
Through their work at the station, students become published creators and more confident speakers while gaining communications and media skills that can benefit them in future careers.
The station provides students with an opportunity to learn by doing—from interviewing and reporting to writing and broadcasting—while telling stories from their own communities.
Station faces technical and regulatory challenges
KXWR-LP also faces several challenges as it continues to expand.
The station’s FCC license is set to expire soon, and KXWR-LP operates without a dedicated communications lawyer. Another significant concern is the station’s Emergency Alert System, which is currently not functioning.
Because the Emergency Alert System is an important FCC compliance requirement, restoring it has become a top priority. Station staff continue to research the requirements and work carefully to ensure KXWR-LP meets federal regulations.
Despite its limited resources, the station continues to serve listeners, provide students with hands-on media experience and advance the educational and cultural mission of Diné College.
