Dordt University to Cease Operation of KDCR Radio

Dordt University has decided to cease operation of KDCR radio at the end of the academic year. Since 1968, KDCR has used terrestrial radio to proclaim God’s Word to generations of listeners. This decision to cease operation is the result of ongoing costs and limited listener financial support for the station.

Dordt is committed to engaging the community, both regionally and beyond, by encouraging and equipping God’s people to accomplish his work. To that end, Dordt will concentrate on growing livestream access of athletic events, chapel, fine arts, and other programming. In addition, Dordt will continue to provide coverage of all home basketball, football, and women’s volleyball contests through the Dordt Media Network livestream broadcasts and away games via an audio link.

“We are grateful for the good work of KDCR radio and the legacy of Christian radio,” says Dr. Erik Hoekstra, president of Dordt. “This was a difficult decision, and we are committed to honoring the legacy of KDCR radio as well as the good work of those involved. We will also continue to focus on the Dordt Media Network to provide an excellent broadcasting experience for our constituents.”

Dordt has agreed to sell the 88.5 frequency to K-LOVE, which will provide contemporary Christian music beginning on May 15, 2021.

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Why is KDCR radio going off the air permanently?
• Where will I be able to find Dordt athletics?
• How can I support the Dordt Media Network?
• What's coming to 88.5 FM?
• When will the transition happen?
• Where should I go to find severe weather updates?
• Where will we be able to find local church services?
• Will Mike Byker still provide the play-by-play announcing for Defender Athletics broadcasts?
• How will we listen to away athletic contests previously broadcast on KDCR radio?
• Will the call letters change, or will it always be KDCR?
• How will we honor the KDCR legacy?
• What is the timeline of events leading up to this decision?

Why is KDCR radio going off the air permanently?

Given ongoing costs and limited listener financial support, Dordt will cease operation of KDCR.
In addition, we have seen a shift in audience interest. For many years, KDCR has been Dordt's primary external-facing presence. Now, we will shift our focus to the Dordt Media Network, which provides an excellent broadcasting experience for our constituents and learning opportunities for student workers.

We are grateful for the good work of KDCR and the legacy of Christian radio. We will also continue to focus on the Dordt Media Network to provide an excellent broadcasting experience for our constituents.

Where will I be able to find Dordt athletics?

Dordt athletic events will be hosted by the Dordt Media Network: https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices/dordt-media-network. Dordt will stream live events, including athletic competitions, music performances, and chapel.
In addition, sports fans can access most events by using the YouTube app to search for “Dordt University Defender Athletics” and subscribe to the channel.

How can I support the Dordt Media Network?

As we transition from KDCR to the Dordt Media Network, we will have additional opportunities for sponsorship, especially as we increase the athletic events that the Dordt Media Network covers. In the coming months, we will also provide additional information about ways to support the Dordt Media Network.

Please visit dordt.edu/give to learn more about Dordt’s giving options.

What’s coming to 88.5 FM?

K-LOVE, a contemporary Christian music radio programming service operated by the Educational Media Foundation, has purchased 88.5 FM and plans to continue to broadcast contemporary Christian music on 88.5 FM.

When will the transition happen?

The transition will take place in May.

Where should I go to find severe weather updates?

KDCR partnered with KTIV’s Storm Team 4 to provide timely weather updates. You can find KTIV’s weather updates at https://ktiv.com/weather/. You can also find weather updates through KSOU at https://siouxcountyradio.com/.

Where will we be able to find local church services?

KDCR broadcasted the church services of Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center, First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center, and Calvary Christian Reformed Church of Orange City. These services can be accessed online:

• Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center: https://livestream.com/bethelsc
• First Reformed Church of Sioux Center: https://www.frcgranite.com/
• First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center: https://www.firstcrc.com/sermons/watchlive.cfm
• Calvary Christian Reformed Church of Orange City: https://livestream.com/calvarycrc

If you would like assistance connecting to these services online, please contact Worship Arts Tech Director Alex Priore at (712) 722-6294 for assistance.

Will Mike Byker still provide the play-by-play announcing for Defender Athletics broadcasts?

Sports Information Director Mike Byker will still call most of Dordt’s athletic games, assisted by other announcers as needed.

How will we listen to away athletic contests previously broadcast on KDCR radio?

Visit www.dordt.edu/athletics to find the new audio link for away athletic contests, with Mike Byker on the Dordt Media Network call.

For YouTube users, Dordt’s livestream is easily accessible through the YouTube app. Search for “Dordt University Defender Athletics” and subscribe to the channel. You will get direct access to most live events as well as recorded athletic events.

Will the call letters change, or will it always be KDCR?

Yes, K-LOVE will change the call letters.

How will we honor the KDCR history?

We are so grateful for the legacy of Christian radio that KDCR has provided, including the many programs that have inspired generations of listeners. We will honor the work of the KDCR staff through a special feature article in the spring / summer 2021 issue of The Voice of Dordt University. Also, we will take time to celebrate KDCR on air in the next two months.

What is the timeline of events leading up to this decision?

Over the last 12 months, Dordt has conducted a thorough review of KDCR, which has resulted in the selling of assets such as the frequency of 88.5 FM. K-LOVE, a contemporary Christian music radio programming service, will purchase 88.5 FM, and the transition will take place in May.