Contact: Jeff Krueger - Communications Site Manager - 970-429-6114
Phylis Mattice - Assistant County Manager - 970-920-5208
Aging infrastructure and the difficulty accessing a radio translator site near the top of Red Mountain hasn’t helped Pitkin County radio technicians keep Colorado Public Radio (CPR) on the air in Aspen this winter. CPR has been mostly off-the-air since late December after a major equipment outage occurred. CPR, located at 101.5 on the fm radio dial is a major source of classical music in Aspen, along with Aspen Public Radio (KAJX).
“The CPR translator is located in one of our most remote mountaintop translator sites. The only way to access it is by snowcat or helicopter,” said Communications Site Manager, Jeff Krueger. “This makes regular maintenance in the winter difficult,” Krueger said.
After an extended outage, the CPR signal was restored late last week but failed again Monday afternoon. Engineers are attempting to find a backup unit to operate CPR while the main unit is sent out for repairs.
“We understand that there are many devoted CPR fans out there and we want to thank them for their patience while we troubleshoot the problem,” Krueger said.
In addition to CPR, the Upper Red Mountain translator is home to other popular local radio station translators including KDNK, KAJX, KVOV, and KMTS.
Progress updates will be posted on Pitkin County’s Facebook page.