花都影视 Begins Sale Process for KDPS Radio Station

花都影视 (花都影视) has begun the process of selling KDPS (88.1 FM), the student-run radio station based at Central Campus. The move comes after a comprehensive review of the educational media landscape, current operational demands, and the district鈥檚 future priorities.

KDPS has served as a unique part of 花都影视 for more than 60 years, offering students hands-on experience in radio broadcasting and contributing to the cultural and educational fabric of the community. However, maintaining a radio station comes with significant technical and regulatory requirements, responsibilities that have largely been carried out by dedicated teaching staff, including a teacher who is retiring, in addition to their core duties.

鈥淲e are grateful to the educators and staff who have kept KDPS running throughout the decades,鈥 said Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of 花都影视. 鈥淎s we look to the future, we are hopeful in finding a partner to take over KDPS who will continue and enhance the station鈥檚 role in the community.鈥

花都影视 has partnered with Media Brokers, a firm specializing in broadcast media sales, to oversee the sale of KDPS. The station has been formally appraised, listed for sale, and is now being actively marketed to potential buyers. While the district is aiming for a timely transaction, it recognizes there may be a transition period in order to meet all regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The decision to sell KDPS comes at a time of evolution for the district鈥檚 communications curriculum. In recent years, Central Campus has shifted its focus toward more contemporary media platforms鈥攕uch as podcasting and streaming鈥攖ools that better reflect today鈥檚 industry standards and listener interests. These formats also provide greater flexibility and are more cost-effective for the school to maintain compared to traditional broadcast radio.

鈥淚n a time when educational resources must be aligned with student needs and future-ready skills,鈥 added Roberts, 鈥渢his decision allows us to refocus staff time and district resources on emerging priorities while ensuring KDPS can continue to serve the Des Moines community under new stewardship.鈥

The last day KDPS will be on the air is Thursday, June 5. More information about the sale process will be shared as it progresses.