KAXE FM 91.7 Northern Community Radio

The station provides public radio programming focused on music, news, conversation, and events, specifically tailored to the northern region. Its content emphasizes storytelling and reflects the experiences of the local community, positioning itself as a 'people-powered' resource. Music selections are diverse, encompassing genres such as Appalachian country, Canadian-Haitian jazz, Minnesota cosmic rock, Swedish R&B, and folk. The broadcaster also features new music highlights from artists including Brit Taylor, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Rich Mattson and the Northstars, waterbaby, José González, Dua Saleh, and Ages and Ages, aiming to showcase a broad range of musical styles and introduce listeners to emerging talent. The station’s commitment extends beyond music, incorporating local news and discussions relevant to the region’s residents. The station’s programming includes several recurring segments and hosts. Kari Hedlund, Malachy Koons, and Dan Gannon comprise the KAXE Music Team, responsible for curating and presenting new music selections. Tracy Kampa hosts a segment recommending children’s books. Events are highlighted with segments like “Up North,” which details happenings within the region, such as St. Urho’s celebrations. A regular feature, “Album of the Week,” provides in-depth analysis and background on featured albums, such as ‘Land of the Forgotten’ by Brit Taylor, which draws inspiration from 1980s and 1990s country music and Appalachian roots. Pam Perry, a retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, contributes a monthly segment on Minnesota phenology, discussing migrating birds and other natural events with the station’s staff phenologist, John Latim. The station’s history is rooted in its commitment to serving the northern community. It operates as a public radio resource, prioritizing local voices and perspectives. A key milestone is the availability of an Online Public File, accessible for review, and assistance is provided via Steve Neu, IT Engineer, at a designated phone number. The broadcaster’s dedication to community engagement is evident in its coverage of local news, such as reports on boys hockey games and updates on issues affecting the region’s residents, including legislative actions and environmental concerns. The station also highlights stories related to Indigenous communities, as exemplified by the advocacy for wild rice rights by Leanna Goose, Annie Humphrey, and Emma Needham. The station offers live radio streaming and maintains a presence online. It provides access to top stories and news updates, covering topics ranging from healthcare access to cryptocurrency regulation and environmental conservation. The broadcaster actively shares news and information through various online channels, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. Community involvement is a core principle, as demonstrated by the inclusion of contributed content, such as local news reports from Warroad Schools and Tracy Kampa’s book recommendations, fostering a collaborative environment and reflecting the diverse voices within the region.