97.7 The Academy

Voice of the Air Force Academy

97.7 The Academy broadcasts live from the U.S. Air Force Academy with the support of cadet DJs from the Broadcast Club. The station can be heard locally in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 97.7 FM and streams live worldwide online.

We play today’s best new Alternative Rock commercial-free and provide exclusive coverage of Falcon sports, academic events, graduation and more. Our programming allows cadets to maintain their own distinct broadcast personalities and develop shows that reflect their unique perspectives. Tune in to follow their journeys as cadets and passion for music.

Since its conception in 1971, the radio station has empowered thousands of cadets to develop their confidence and communication skills necessary to lead in the United States Air and Space Forces.

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Interviews

History

Although there were several unsanctioned attempts by resourceful cadets in the 1950’s and 60’s to launch a radio station at the U.S. Air Force Academy, it wasn’t until 1970 when the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force approved the startup of a radio station with the call sign KAFA. The station’s first public broadcast was on January 17, 1971.

The station was assigned three small adjoining rooms in Vandenberg Hall dormitory. With a cost over $10,000, a great deal of the studio construction was built from raw lumber with much of the equipment coming from radio stations that were being closed in Vietnam.

Over the years, the station has had to move its frequency from 89.7 to 104.3, then 104.5, and now to 97.7 FM. The station went off the air for a time in the 1980s, but has broadcast continuously since restarting on February 13, 1989. In 2018, the station moved to the main academic building, Fairchild Hall, marking its first relocation in 47 years. The station is now co-located with a state-of-the-art sound stage, allowing cadets to expand their skills beyond radio to video production.

Show Schedule

Monday – Friday

6-8 a.m. The Conman Morning Show
8-10 a.m. to Cadet Morning Show
10 a.m.-Noon Cadet Mid-Morning Show
Noon-2 p.m. Cadet Noon Show
4-6 p.m. Cadet Afternoon Show

Saturday

9 a.m.–Noon Cover Hour with Steve Simon

CONTACT US

KAFA.FM@afacademy.af.edu

Song requests: 719-333-KAFA (5232)

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97.7 KAFA

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