CPR to Provide 'Colorado Matters' Free to KRZA

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:40am CT

Colorado Public Radio (CPR)

Colorado Public Radio (CPR) will begin providing its flagship daily news and interview program, Colorado Matters, to KRZA in Alamosa, CO, at no cost to the station. The move is part of CPR's effort to support public media organizations most affected by the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

KRZA, one of Colorado's smallest public radio stations, serves the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico with local journalism, civic information, and emergency alerts. Federal support previously made up more than half of KRZA's operating budget. With only two full-time employees, the station delivers news and public safety information to a largely rural, underserved region with limited alternatives for timely local coverage.

"We believe deeply in the role public radio plays in keeping communities connected and informed -- especially in regions where there may be few other options," said Stewart Vanderwilt, president and CEO of CPR. "We're proud to make Colorado Matters available to KRZA. The public media system only works when we stand up for each other."

On the air since 2001, Colorado Matters features in-depth conversations about politics, public health, the arts, and statewide issues. It is hosted by veteran journalist Ryan Warner, a multiple Edward R. Murrow Award winner, with Chandra Thomas Whitfield serving as co-host since 2021. Whitfield's reporting has appeared on NPR, The New York Times, and Essence, and she was a 2019-2020 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

KRZA will start airing the program on Wednesday, October 1 giving local audiences access to statewide stories while helping the station stretch limited resources. CPR said it will continue to share State of the State and other public-affairs content with stations across Colorado.

"KRZA is excited to collaborate with CPR to bring Colorado Matters to a new audience," said KRZA General Manager Gerald Rodriguez. "Together we will connect cultures along the upper Rio Grande region."

Colorado Matters airs on CPR News and KRCC at 9am and 7pm weekdays and 10am Sundays. KRZA plans to air it at 1pm Monday-Thursday.