KXCI

Coordinates: 32°24′54.00″N 110°42′56.00″W / 32.4150000°N 110.7155556°W

KXCI
City of license Tucson, Arizona
Broadcast area Tucson, Arizona
Branding 91.3 KXCI
Slogan Community Radio
Frequency 91.3 MHz(also on HD Radio)
First air date 1983
Format Community radio
ERP 340 watts
HAAT 1,110.0 meters (3,641.7 ft)
Class C2
Facility ID 22167
Callsign meaning XCI, Roman numerals for 91
Owner Foundation For Creative Broadcasting
Webcast Listen Live
Website www.kxci.com

KXCI is a "community radio" radio station that serves Tucson, Arizona. KXCI broadcasts on the frequency of 91.3 MHz. Programs include talk shows, music shows and call-in shows. The call letters come from the Roman numeral for 91—XCI.

History

In the late 1970s, several people began work on the station when it was realized that there was a need for a more eclectic and diverse radio station than many felt was available, and began preliminary work on the idea, which after a frequency search and FCC filings, gained a construction permit in November 1982.

The original idea regarding callsigns was to have a contest to come up with one and see if it was available. However, upon receiving a letter from the FCC regarding the need to select a callsign, a volunteer came up with the 'KXCI' idea, and that was the top submission of five sent to the FCC. Those calls were available and were assigned.

Only one year later, on November 19, 1983, at 7pm, the station went live on the air. After a stunt format of reggae for two days to promote a station benefit concert featuring Eek-A-Mouse, then began a three week promotion called the 'Big Broadcast of 1983. This was a journey in sound from creation through the present and when music that is known came around it went through just about all the genres, ending on December 5 with a live concert at the studios.

Rumors of final formats were rampant. This included one that the station was going to take an urban contemporary format 24/7, causing KHYT 1330 to bill itself as 'Tucson's First Rock and Soul Station'. KHYT's promotion abruptly died once the true format was known, a 'music mix' during the day, and over 29 musical styles and genres nights and weekends.[1] The station still airs many genres and styles not generally found on other stations in the Tucson market.[2]

The station originally was at 91.7 FM. In the early 90s the station moved to the present 91.3 frequency to permit the station now known as KFMA 92.1 to raise its power so it could cover more of the Tucson area.

Programming

KXCI generally plays what may be termed an eclectic mix, featuring both lesser-known acts alongside well-known acts. The type of music varies wildly, ranging from (but by no means limited to) alternative to country to blues to jazz, often within a short time. In addition, there are many specialty shows (mostly on weeknights and weekends) which focus on a particular genre.[2] Along with cable channel Access Tucson, KXCI is also a local carrier for Democracy Now!.[3]

The station does not have traditional commercials, although the disc jockeys will occasionally read public service announcements and plug the station's sponsors.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ KXCI Survives Rocky Decade. Tucson Citizen, 12/9/93
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 KXCI Website: Programs
  3. ↑ Democracy Now! Website: Arizona stations
  4. ↑ KXCI Website: Underwriting

External links