KISU 91.1 FM Returns to Full Power

After operating at 300 watts since June 1, KISU has increased power to near its authorized level of 5,400 watts. Following the modifications and relocation, the station’s amended FM license was approved by the FCC on October 7, 2026.

The restoration brings KISU’s FM signal back to an estimated 50,000 East Idaho residents who may have been unable to receive 91.1 FM during the relocation work. Listeners from Marsh Valley to Shelley should once again be able to hear KISU in their vehicles and, in many locations, inside their homes.

With full power restored in time for Saturday's homecoming game, listeners who experienced reception issues during the installation process are encouraged to tune in and enjoy seamless broadcast coverage of the event.

“This project represents an important investment in the reliability and future of KISU,” said KISU General Manager Jamon Anderson. “We are pleased with the project’s success and look forward to providing a stronger, more dependable service for listeners across the region.”

The new transmitter system and tower site will improve KISU’s ability to serve listeners now and support future technical needs. The completed project includes:

• New equipment designed to last 20 years 
• Improved fully processed FM audio delivery system with backup audio 
• Increases in broadcast power and coverage area.
• Backup power at the transmitter site provides resilience and access to emergency information when power fails.
• New system makes it possible to share program and music information with compatible car stereos. (Installation of RDS components expected before the end of 2026)
• Capability for future multi-channel HD Radio expansion.
• Cost savings 

Anderson and KISU engineer Nick Davidson oversaw the system designs and installations of the emergency equipment, HVAC system, electrical infrastructure, and new FM transmitter.

KISU is grateful for Boise State Public Radio’s technical expertise and its commitment of staff and resources to help restore full FM service for East Idaho public radio listeners. KISU extends special thanks to Boise State Public Radio General Manager Tom Michael and engineers Eric Fredricey and Jake Anderson for their assistance with the project. 

Considerable institutional support for the project came from the Idaho State University Foundation, Office of General Council, Central Receiving, Operations, Facilities, and Purchasing. 

Last, but not least, thanks to KISU’s generous donors, who fueled the project with funding, encouragement, and patience! 

The station would like to hear from 91.1 FM listeners who are still experiencing reception or signal-quality issues compared with service before the project began June 1. Send comments to KISU General Manager Jamon Anderson at JamonAnderson@isu.edu.

“Thank you to KISU listeners for your patience during this important upgrade,” Anderson says. “The completed project strengthens KISU’s FM service today while establishing a more reliable, flexible foundation for the station’s future.”

Learn more about the newly installed equipment and what’s to come by reading the full article titled “KISU 91.1 Returns to Full Power” at KISU.org