Mission Statement
KSDS FM 88.3 is dedicated to presenting Jazz music as a living art by preserving the past, promoting the present and nurturing the future. This is accomplished through high quality programming, production of live events, our 4E Education Initiative and partnerships with educational organizations. KSDS advances the appreciation and understanding of Jazz with a local, national and international audience while providing outreach for our licensee, the San Diego Community College District, and San Diego City College.
About KSDS
OUR HERITAGE
KSDS Jazz88.3 is a community service of San Diego City College and part of the San Diego Community College District. Donations are tax-deductible.
KSDS is a full-time mainstream/traditional Jazz radio station, licensed to the San Diego Community College District, broadcasting 24 hours a day from the campus of San Diego City College. Founded in 1951, the station began programming Jazz in 1973 and became San Diego's only full-time Jazz station in 1985.
KSDS is licensed by the FCC as a non-commercial, non-profit educational radio station and operates with 22,000 watts at 88.3 on the FM dial.
In 1993 the National Association of Broadcasters awarded KSDS the "Jazz Station of the Year" distinction, receiving the prestigious Marconi Award. Numerous nominations and awards have followed, including Finalist nominations for Jazz Station of the Year in both 2004 and 2005. KSDS was also nominated for the "Large Market Station" of the year award by the NAB in 2008.
In 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016, KSDS was awarded JazzWeek Magazine's award determined by the vote of Record Companies, professional peers and readers of JazzWeek.
OUR FORMAT
The award-winning programming on KSDS covers the spectrum of Jazz by blending new and upcoming artists with the Jazz masters of the past. KSDS features a staff of knowledgeable program hosts that have a great passion for and commitment to the music and artists that they present. Based on the concept that Jazz is about personal freedom and individuality, each host programs his or her own show.
Weekday programming features a number of veteran broadcasters including Joe Kocherhans, Gary Beck, Claudia Russell and Ron Dhanifu. These hosts can be heard live M-F/7A-6P Pacific during our Phase 2 of live programming within the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the wide variety of music that is presented during the weekday programs, there will be a number of specialty offerings throughout the weekend that concentrate on specific styles and eras. We look forward to bringing these specialty shows back when KSDS launches its Phase 3 of live broadcasting (during this COVID-19 pandemic). Stay tuned for details.
HD-2, SDS-STUDENT DELIVERED SOUND
KSDS also serves as a training facility for San Diego City College students majoring in Radio-TV-Film. SDS is a student-run radio station located in the KSDS studios that broadcasts daily on HD radio and online. Students work directly with station staff and many serve as interns in programming, production, and membership.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
KSDS is free of commercial clutter, and mainly staffed by announcers who have a passion for the music and a deep knowledge that they share with the audience. Jazz is educational, energizing, multi-textured and mind-broadening.
Jazz is a true art form, and it's presented live and spontaneously on KSDS, a rarity in the current entertainment scene. KSDS remains one of the few radio stations in America to offer full-time, undiluted Jazz programming, acknowledging the heritage of this wonderful music while helping it live on through today's artists.
If you wish to make a donation via check, please make it out to KSDS, and mail to 1313Park Blvd. L-115, San Diego CA 92101.