Two northern Minnesota stations gain membership status

Membership applications from KOJB-FM (90.1 FM The Eagle) serving the Leech Lake Reservation and KBFT (89.9 FM) serving Nett Lake have been approved by the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio stations.

KOJB is licensed to and operated by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and KBFT is licensed to and operated by Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. With the additional stations, Ampers now has 14 member stations, the largest network of community radio stations in Minnesota, according to a news release issued Thursday by KOJB.

Stations are all licensed to a college, school, university, or directly to the community.

The educational mission of KOJB is to enhance the history, language, and way of life of the Anishinaabeg people, and airing national Native American media and noncommercial programming.

“KOJB brings educational programming, news, history and entertainment to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community,” KOJB Station Manager Brad Walhof said in the release. “Our programming targets all residents in the counties of Itasca, Cass, Hubbard and Beltrami; to all populations to help increase intercultural competency.”

KBFT General Manager George Strong said his station’s programming will be very diverse.

“We’ll have programs on Bois Forte history and culture including original Anishinabemoen Language components,” Strong said. “We also have hosts interested in producing shows featuring Blues, jazz, and country.”

“We’re very excited to have these two new stations as part of our group,” Ampers President Michele Jansen said. “Unfortunately in these difficult economic times many community stations are closing their doors. It’s great to see Minnesota bucking that trend and adding community stations.”

Ampers has no affiliation with Minnesota Public Radio and receives no financial support from MPR.