Lakota Country Times: Rosebud Sioux radio station goes on air

Tuesday, February 15, 2011  

The following story was written and reported by Vi Waln, the editor of the Lakota Country Times. All content © Lakota Country Times.

MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA – The Rosebud Sioux Tribe will go on the airwaves next week with the debut of their new radio station KOYA. The radio station will be located at 88.1 on the FM dial beginning February 24. A blessing, dedication and grand opening will also take place on that day for the general public. Plans are also being made to honor several individuals who were instrumental in seeing this project through.

A variety of local artists are to be featuring during the live broadcast of the grand opening. The radio station will seek the support of sponsors, contributors and donors through a pledge drive. The initial programming will likely feature performances by local groups. Contemporary and traditional music performed by local artists will be encouraged during the first days of live broadcast. The station tentatively plans to begin airing licensed, recorded material on March 1st.

Administrative offices, production room and broadcast studio will be located in the basement of the REDCO building, also called the former Mission Medical Clinic building. Renovation is currently underway and proper wiring is being installed to power the 51,000 watt radio station. The 250 foot radio station tower was erected in 2004 and is located a few miles Southeast of Rosebud.

The concept of a tribally owned and operated radio station has been “in the works since 1993,” stated Perry DeCory. “It is something I have really wanted to happen. It will be a prime vehicle for the Tribe and Tribal Council to use to their advantage in keeping the people informed.”

KOYA will be a non-commercial, educational radio station which will provide alternative programming for tribal listeners. It will be temporary located in Mission until the permanent building which will house the studio is built. Plans are underway for a February 17 groundbreaking ceremony to be held at the tower site for the construction of a transmission hut.

On February 28 a live broadcast will feature local country singer “Sugar” who is Sicangu and has released two CDs. His first album is titled: My First Taste of Rosebud - released in 2005 along with his 2007 album, Lonesome Wind.

DeCory, who has many years of experience in broadcast radio, currently serves as the Editor of the Sicangu Eyapaha which is a monthly news publication of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He will also oversee the radio broadcast operation. He plans to offer on the job training to potential staff members.

A full-time staff will be permanently hired when funding is secured. Positions will include a general manager, broadcast manager, production manager, janitor/custodian, and at least four part time disc jockeys.

For more information please call DeCory at (605) 747-2381.