Community Representation Statement

KOTO Community Radio, founded in 1975, is wholly committed to fostering a welcoming environment where people of diverse backgrounds and interests can come together and share their unique perspectives. Our signals reach listeners in Montrose & Ouray counties, in addition to a global audience through our online stream. Over 80 volunteer DJs from all walks of life independently program the majority of our schedule, and some have been involved since the beginning. KOTO’s public access mission means that the station strives to serve, reflect and belong to our community.

KOTO is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, or sexual orientation in our activities or our employment practices. This policy extends to the all-volunteer board of directors, commissions, and our community advisory board.

We strive to create and foster a supportive environment in which all individuals can be successful and reach their full potential. To that end, KOTO has set the following diversity goals:

● Improve ethnic, economic, language, geographic and all other metrics for the most representationally diverse inclusion of voices as possible on all levels — staff, boards and committees, volunteers, etc.

● Create and nurture original Spanish-language news content, such as “Noticias” on Monday evenings

● Prioritize public affairs programming such as “Off the Record” in Spanish

● Leverage website, social media and on-air opportunities as resources for diverse and representational expression and information broadcasting

● Offer multilingual instruction for prospective DJs

● Host events that appeal to diverse demographics and have a presence at diverse events hosted by local nonprofits and advocacy groups

● Maintain a strong terrestrial signal for our areas of dedicated listener support

● Show staff that they are appreciated and valued through competitive wages and fair compensation

● Deepen identity as a platform for local storytelling and creative expression while protecting identity as pure noncommercial, non-underwritten community radio