Strategic investment provides operational support to 11 rural and tribal-serving newsrooms
DENVER, CO — Colorado Media Project (CMP) has awarded $1 million in grants to 11 rural and tribal-serving public media outlets through its Public Media Innovation Fund (PMIF). This investment supports newsrooms that serve as critical information lifelines in communities where few other local news sources exist.
The PMIF addresses urgent financial challenges facing Colorado’s public media infrastructure. With anchor funding from The Colorado Health Foundation ($1 million) and Press Forward ($385,000), the fund was designed to stabilize operations at outlets serving historically underserved populations across the state.
“With the loss of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding, these newsrooms are facing unprecedented financial pressure,” said Kimberly Spencer, Executive Director of Colorado Media Project. “This investment helps ensure communities where local news is already scarce do not lose the critical information sources they depend on.”
The 11 grant recipients range from tribal radio stations serving the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes to rural outlets across the Western Slope and High Plains. CMP is actively seeking an additional $1.5 million to reach the fund’s $2.5 million goal.
Grantees Supported by the Public Media Innovation Fund:
- Aspen Public Radio ($50,000): Dedicated to supporting, nourishing, and enriching the Roaring Fork Valley by providing informative, entertaining, and educational public media.
- KBUT ($50,000): Committed to enriching and unifying the Gunnison Valley through diverse, community-driven, and high-quality radio programming.
- KCME/Jazz 93.5 ($50,000): An independent public radio station sharing the arts, classical music, and jazz to elevate the cultural life of the Pikes Peak region and beyond.
- KDNK Community Radio ($50,000): Providing public access radio in Carbondale that connects community members to one another and the world through locally produced news, public affairs, and eclectic music.
- KDUR ($100,000): Serving as a vital bridge between Fort Lewis College and La Plata County by offering independent, alternative educational and entertaining programming.
- KGNU ($50,000): An independent, noncommercial, volunteer-powered station dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and broadcasting independent news, culture, and music across the Front Range.
- KRFC 88.9 FM/Public Radio for the Front Range ($50,000): A volunteer-powered, non-commercial radio station that connects and enriches Northern Colorado by showcasing local music, arts, and community programming.
- KRZA Community Radio ($100,000): Providing bilingual, multicultural community radio that connects the diverse people of the San Luis Valley and Northern New Mexico.
- KSUT ($200,000): Serving the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Four Corners region by delivering essential Native American programming, local news, and NPR broadcasts.
- KUNC 91.5FM & The Colorado Sound 105.5FM ($200,000): Delivering essential, independent NPR news, in-depth regional investigative journalism, and cultural programming to communities across Northern Colorado and the Front Range.
- KVNF ($100,000): Connecting the diverse communities of the Western Slope through volunteer-driven, eclectic music, independent local news, and public affairs programming.
For more information about Colorado Media Project, visit www.coloradomediaproject.com.
About Colorado Media Project
Colorado Media Project is the leading funding collaborative dedicated to strengthening Colorado’s local news and information ecosystem. By uniting foundations, newsrooms and community partners, we align strategies to invest and advocate for sustainable solutions that expand access, foster accountability and build stronger, more connected communities. Through strategic funding, thought leadership and advocacy, we help ensure Coloradans remain informed and engaged to shape the future of their communities.
About The Colorado Health Foundation
The Colorado Health Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization that champions the overall health and well-being of every Coloradan. By advocating for and investing in solutions and policies that drive health equity and racial justice, CHF collaborates with organizations and communities to break down systemic inequities that hinder health and prosperity. Learn more about CHF.
About Press Forward
Press Forward is a network with chapters nationwide, working to strengthen local news so communities stay informed, connected and engaged. With more than 40 place-based chapters and over $400 million invested, we support sustainable models, close coverage gaps, and cultivate the local news champions that help ensure everyone has access to reliable information. More at pressforward.news.
