KBBG FM

("KBBG Endowment Fund")

"Communicate to Educate" is the motto of KBBG FM. This locally operated radio station was founded by Jimmie Porter in March of 1977 as the Afro-American Community Broadcasting, Inc. in an effort to fulfill the needs, interest, and wishes of ethnic minority people. Porter felt KBBG would help teach about black culture and lifestyles, which had not been accurately represented in the mainstream media.

The KBBG Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa was established to distribute gifts and bequests so a legacy can be left to continue the exciting and challenging work begun by the KBBG founders.

KBBG conducted its first equipment test of 10 watts of power on July 26, 1978, which allowed KBBG to transmit programming within a 4-5 mile radius. KBBG took a step forward in 1980 with the purchase of over $100,000 in new equipment. With this new equipment the station now was able to transmit within a 45-50 mile radius allowing KBBG to reach a greater audience.

By promoting community harmony, diversity and intercultural awareness KBBG enriches the lives of their listening audience. They have been educating, informing and entertaining their listeners for over 25 years through their culturally diverse – yet culturally specific broadcast programming.

KBBG anticipates a future with more public forums on current issues, live productions, and a wider variety of educational programming, communication classes and church choir broadcasts.

KBBG founder, Jimmie Porter, died November 14, 2007.