KPOV-FM (Bend, OR)

KPOV was born from an ambitious vision in May 2001 when the FCC announced it would accept applications for new low power FM (LPFM) radio stations in Bend. A group of enthusiastic residents, including Darcy McNamara, Mike Riley, Kyla Merwin, Stacey Dycus, and Erica Reilly, quickly collaborated to create a plan and applied for a permit in June 2001, representing seven local nonprofit organizations. In February 2004, the FCC granted a construction permit to the Women’s Civic Improvement League (WCIL), a long-established but previously inactive organization in Bend known for its civic leadership, particularly in protecting Drake Park from development in the 1920s. Today, the Women’s Civic Improvement League operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and serves as the official corporate entity for KPOV. With the construction permit secured, KPOV was able to launch its operations. Dedicated volunteers formed a Board of Directors, raised funds, secured and renovated a studio and office space downtown from the Bend-La Pine School District, built a transmission tower on Awbrey Butte, purchased equipment, gathered programming ideas, and trained DJs. After four years of hard work and careful planning, KPOV officially began broadcasting on June 26, 2005, from its studio located at 501 NW Bond St. The station kicked off its programming with over 70 newly trained DJs creating 35 original music and talk shows, along with several hours of syndicated content. Today, KPOV DJs and program hosts produce over 50 shows covering a range of topics from local news to music, showcasing the station's commitment to innovation and community engagement.