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April 26, 2018

A North Dakota-based Catholic radio network is expanding to Sioux Falls with an agreement to buy the former KBAD-FM signal.

KBAD at 94.5 went off the air in September 2017. The radio station was one of several businesses owned by Chuck Brennan of Dollar Loan Centers that he closed after South Dakota changed its statewide interest rate cap.

Real Presence Radio Network is seeking approval from the FCC to broadcast at 94.5 FM, executive director Steven Splonskowski said. RPR is a listener-supported nonprofit and is registered with the Roman Catholic Church as a lay apostolate. Its first radio station went on the air in 2004 in Grand Forks, N.D. RPR now operates radio stations across North Dakota and Minnesota, and also has one in Rapid City.

In addition to Sioux Falls, it has agreements with other owners to buy signals in Gillette, Wyo., and Austin, Minn.

According to RPR’s website, “Our programming is distinctively Catholic by providing a mix of devotionals, prayers, call-in programs, the daily Mass, and both local and national programs concerning the Catholic faith.”

Splonskowski said most of the programming originates via satellite from EWTN out of Birmingham, Ala.

“We do about six hours a week of locally programming that originates from across the local area,” he said.

RPR, which will have staff in Sioux Falls, will be on the air once it receives FCC approval, which typically takes 60 to 90 days, Splonskowski said. The programming also is available over the internet.

The Sioux Falls area also receives Catholic-focused programming from Lamb Radio. Those radio stations and internet-streamed services are operated by the local nonprofit Agnus Dei Communications Inc.