History

History of Clear Creek Radio

KYGT 102.7-103.9 has been serving Clear Creek since 1994

Our History

It all started as a simple idea: "Why can’t we have a community radio station?"

Our Adventure Begins

We began our adventure in 1994 at the Heritage Museum. We actually helped build the offices we rented. That’s all we had – an empty studio space and an idea. We were told we could rent the space as a radio station but could only play ‘nice’ music. We bought a Radio Shack mixer and a CD player and got Jones Intercable to hook us up to the cable system in 1995.

DJs came in every week, even when we weren’t broadcasting. Sponsors kept supporting us even though we were just on the cable system. It seemed everyone wanted to support the idea that there should be a venue for expression, for creative energy, for a sense of community and just a place to go have some fun.

The fact that the station is affectionately known as “The Goat” is confusing to some. It has nothing to do with the four-legged animal, nor is it a reference to anyone’s attitude. The phone company gets the credit. The last four digits in our telephone number spell G O A T. We started calling ourselves KGOAT as a joke and it stuck.

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On the occasion of our 18th birthday, we were read into the Congressional Record by then-Representative Jared Polis.

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Congressional Record
One of the over 1500 words dictionary.com added in 2020 was GOAT. It means Greatest Of All Time. We think that’s appropriate.

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On-Air as a Tax-Exempt Charity

Our Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1994, putting us in the Secretary of State’s system as a Colorado nonprofit corporation in good standing. In 1999 we approached all the local governments and most of the special districts in Clear Creek County for a commitment to make annual contributions to the station. These annual payments help offset the station’s expenses. We received IRS designation as a tax-exempt charity in 2000.

We Feel Good about Broadcasting!

We hung in there for eight long years before we got our ‘over the air’ license with the FCC in 2002, officially became KYGT and moved to the cabin at the intersection of Colorado and Miner. In 2016 we moved into The Majestic Building at 1630 Miner Street to make way for the new construction on Colorado Blvd. Finally in 2018 we moved into our current home, upstairs in the United Center at 1400 Colorado Blvd., where we plan to stay.

As we approach 30 years of broadcasting our unique mix of music, talk and fun, it seems like it was only yesterday that our founders, Greg Markle and Bob Flagle, were kicking around this strange idea that a radio station could not only exist but thrive in our community.

Community-Based, Community-Owned

KYGT is community-owned, thus funded wholly through business sponsors, fundraising activities and an Intergovernmental Agreement with all the towns and districts within our County.

Support The GOAT

Congressional Record from the 113th Congress

Hon. Jared Polis Tuesday, Nov 28 2012.

Mr. POLIS

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved radio station, 102.7 FM, which turns eighteen on February 4, 2013. The station, which is fondly known as “The Goat”, started with an antique phonograph and a dream. Over the years, this humble station has transformed itself into the voice of Clear Creek and a local institution.

This community owned radio station’s mission is clear: “Broadcast entertainment, news and information, both over the airwaves and via the Internet, to the residents of Clear Creek County, Colorado, and the world through an eclectic mix of programming.” The Goat encourages creative expression and believes in the importance of community.

The Goat is a commercial-free station that is funded by local business sponsors, fundraisers, and an intergovernmental agreement with all the towns in Clear Creek County. In addition to playing diverse music, the station encourages civic engagement and community building. There are live broadcasts of local high school athletic events, public service announcements about community events, and a dedicated line for the Sheriff’s Department to take over the broadcast in case of an emergency. The Goat informs and educates its audience, as exemplified by founder and General Manager Greg Markle and Mark Cucinella’s show. “All Things Reconsidered.”

This radio station epitomizes not only what a community radio station could be, but also what a community radio station should be. With a laid-back vibe, an inclusive attitude, and a fun-loving spirit, 102.7 FM consistently has entertained, informed, and supported the Clear Creek community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to 102.7 FK The Goat as it soon celebrates its 18th birthday.