In 2026, KSUT celebrates 50 years of service to the Four Corners region – a milestone made possible by the vision of the Southern Ute Tribe, which founded KSUT in 1976.
Starting as a 10-watt service for the Pine River Valley, KSUT has grown into the trusted voice of the region, connecting communities through music, news, culture, and life-saving information in times of emergency.
As we reflect on this anniversary year, we also look back on 2025 – one of the most remarkable and challenging
years in our history:
Twenty percent of our annual revenue was rescinded when Congress withdrew federal support for public media, reversing nearly 60-years of commitment;
We lost a $537,000 federal grant designated for critical upgrades to our broadcast tower sites, jeopardizing our ability to reliably inform and protect our region during emergencies.
KSUT joined NPR and two other Colorado stations in taking a stand for press freedom by suing the Trump Administration over an executive order that violates our First Amendment rights.
Due to your incredible support, KSUT eclipsed all our membership fundraising records. You showed up for us when we needed you most!
Planting Seeds for the Next 50 Years
As we look ahead, our focus is clear: building long-term stability for KSUT, so our region continues to be strengthened by independent, trusted public radio for generations to come.
We have established the Next 50 Fund with the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado. Our goal is to build this fund to $6 million, generating approximately $225,000 annually to safeguard KSUT’s essential services.
In addition, local donors have already contributed $90,000 toward a roof-mounted solar array that will significantly reduce electricity costs and strengthen our sustainability.
As a nonprofit public radio service – and in light of the unprecedented loss of historic federal funding — KSUT relies on the generosity of members like you to ensure that our community continues to have access to fact-based journalism, cultural programming, and emergency information.
This spring, we ask you to consider making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly sustaining member. If you are already a sustaining member, please consider increasing your monthly contribution or making an additional gift. Together, we can ensure KSUT thrives for the next 50 years.
Your action now will help ensure KSUT stays strong in 2026 and beyond!
Sincerely,
Tami Graham
Executive Director