| |
| Frequency | 89.5 MHz |
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Format | Community radio |
| Affiliations | Pacifica Radio Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Nevada City Community Broadcast Group |
| History | |
Call sign meaning | Victorian Museum Radio |
| Technical information1 | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| 48338 | |
| Class | B1 |
| ERP | 1,750 watts |
| HAAT | 345 meters (1,132 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 39°14′47″N 120°57′48″W / 39.24639°N 120.96333°W / 39.24639; -120.96333 |
| Translator | See § Translators |
| Repeater | 88.3 KCPC (Camino) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen live |
| Website | www |
KVMR (89.5 FM) is a community radio station founded in 1978 in Nevada City, California, United States.
History
After two years of planning, KVMR signed on the air on July 14, 1978. KVMR first operated under the umbrella of the Nevada City-based non-profit, The American Victorian Museum (AVM). Deriving its name from Victorian Museum Radio, KVMR first broadcast from a small shack on nearby Banner Mountain, at just 20 watts, four hours a day.
In 1981, with the help of AVM directors, KVMR found a home at the Museum, upgraded its power and began broadcasting 24 hours a day.
By the mid- to late 1980s, KVMR's nominal board formed an independent non-profit organization and purchased the station from the failing AVM. In 1989, ownership of the station was transferred to the Nevada City Community Broadcast Group (NCCBG), KVMR's first board of directors.
Upgrades and changes
An upgrade of the station's broadcast facility in 1999 improved KVMR's regional signal quality. Its studios and offices are located in Nevada City, and its transmitter is located atop Banner Mountain. KVMR serves listeners throughout the Northern California Sierra foothills and the greater Sacramento Valley on 89.5 FM, Woodland at 93.9 FM, the Truckee–Tahoe region on 105.1 FM, Camino/Placerville at 88.3 FM and Angels Camp on 99.5 FM
Funding changes
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced in August 2025 that it would cease operations. KVMR being one of 1500 community radio stations affected by these cuts.2 As a result of these cuts KVMR3 In addition to direct cuts, CPB was also responsible for negotiating music licensing agreements which allowed public radio stations to play music from copyrighted musicians over the air and via a live music stream.4 As of October 1, 2025, this function has been transferred to National Public Radio.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) began winding down operations after its federal funding was rescinded by Congress in July 2025. CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison confirmed the closure in August 2025, stating the organization would retain a small team to resolve financial obligations and ensure continuity for music rights and royalties. Congress passed a measure eliminating $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funding in mid-July 2025
Translators
In addition to simulcasting on KCPC (88.3 FM, Camino), KVMR is rebroadcast by several broadcast relay stations (translators):
| Call sign | Frequency | City of license | FID | ERP (W) | HAAT | Class | FCC info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K230CA | 93.9 FM | Woodland, California | 83228 | 10 | 657 m (2,156 ft) | D | LMS |
| K258DG | 99.5 FM | Angels Camp, California | 156154 | 10 | 485 m (1,591 ft) | D | LMS |
| K286AN | 105.1 FM | Truckee, California | 156135 | 10 | 592 m (1,942 ft) | D | LMS |
| K289BM | 105.7 FM | Grass Valley, California | 147454 | 250 | 329 m (1,079 ft) | D | LMS |
References
References
- "Facility Technical Data for KVMR". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- Broadcasting, Corporation for Public. "Corporation for Public Broadcasting Addresses Operations Following Loss of Federal Funding". cpb.org. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- "CPB Funding Has Been Rescinded - What It Means and How You Can Help". KVMR Community Radio. July 6, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- Nobles, Jennifer (August 13, 2025). "KVMR feeling the sting of federal defunding". The Union. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
External links
External links
- Official website
- Facility details for Facility ID 48338 (KVMR) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- KVMR in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
- "History Cards for KVMR".
- Facility details for Facility ID 122735 (KCPC) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- KCPC in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
- "Nevada City Chamber of Commerce".