It has provided music, culture, news, and views of its members and the community as a whole. In celebration, we'd like to share with you a few highlights of our first twenty years. Broadcasting 10 watts from studios in a vacant loft of the Walker Community Church where mice and bats to keep the programmers company was challenging but the all-volunteer staff of over 100 people managed to work through all the problems and bring community radio to the Twin Cities. This is part of Fresh Air Radio's ongoing effort to help break down obstacles facing immigrant communities. After 12 years in the Walker Church, KFAI moved to new studios and offices above the Butler Drug store at 1518 East Lake Street in Minneapolis.
Reports indicate that air conditioning was everyone's favorite new amenity.
In celebration of a decade of broadcasting, KFAI featured a day-long tribute to the sounds of 1978 called Stayin' Alive. The third floor of the Bailey Building at 1808 Riverside became KFAI's new home. This 100-year old landmark building is the station's first custom designed home, with studios, a news room, record library, staff offices, a kitchen and meeting area. This meant that people in St. Paul and eastern suburbs could now hear their favorite station without driving across the river. It has become true cultural crossroads, programmed by community volunteers who broadcast in 10 different languages with an eclectic mix of music, arts, news and public affairs.