High Plains Public Radio was founded in 1977 for the express purpose of enriching the educational, cultural, and community life of the High Plains region. It is also dedicated to developing the self-identity of the High Plains so the region might better appreciate its common heritage and build a sustainable future. It pursues this mission through public radio broadcasting, a medium freely accessible to nearly everyone, as well as digital web and mobile services. HPPR began broadcasting in 1980 with a single station, KANZ-FM, serving southwest Kansas and studios in the former Pierceville, KS grade school. Since then, HPPR has incrementally expanded its service area through local initiatives and capital campaigns. HPPR currently operates 19 FM stations and translators serving 78 counties across a five state region of the High Plains. Throughout its history, HPPR has always been more than just a public radio station. It's a virtual community of individuals from across the region who share common interests in knowing more about the world and building their home communities. And it's a community that's been built over the years through the time, talents and treasure of many volunteers, contributors, listeners and staff members