Long before podcasts and streaming playlists, people discovered new music, news and culture through the airwaves.
San Juan College Radio Station Honors Decades of Local Stories, Music and Community Connection
For the Four Corners region, that connection began with a bold idea to create a radio station dedicated to arts, information and community. That vision became KSJE 90.9 FM, known today as “The Information and Cultural Beacon of the Four Corners.”
More than 35 years later, KSJE continues to honor its founding mission, blending local storytelling with high-quality arts and cultural programming that reaches listeners across the region.
A Vision Takes Shape
The idea for KSJE began in 1988, when San Juan College President Dr. James C. Henderson imagined a station that would serve as a lasting cultural gift to the community. After two years of planning, construction and regulatory approval, KSJE officially went on the air at noon on Monday, November 12, 1990.
Dr. Henderson appointed James Burgess as KSJE’s first station manager and Connie Gotsch as its inaugural program director.
In 1991, Gotsch launched Roving with the Arts, a classical music program that continues to air regularly today. Even after her passing in 2012, her legacy endures through the San Juan College Connie Gotsch Theatre, named in her honor.
Innovation and Leadership
In 2007, KSJE welcomed Scott Michlin as general manager. A familiar name in local media, Michlin brought nearly two decades of broadcast experience as the former News Director of KOBF-TV.
“Scott brought a wealth of broadcast experience to KSJE, and his deep local roots made him a natural fit,” said Ed DesPlas, San Juan College Executive Vice President. “His innovative ideas and commitment to serving the community have been key to KSJE’s continued success.”
Under Michlin’s leadership, KSJE has earned seven Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association. Honors include:
- Best Newscast
- Broadcaster of the Year
- Best Website Integration
Embracing Technology: From Radio Waves to Visual Media
While KSJE remains true to its cultural roots, the station has also evolved with the times. It now offers online streaming, podcasts, and a groundbreaking “Visual Radio” format that launched in 2018.
With multiple cameras and specialized software, KSJE streams live video of its morning shows and community interviews on Facebook and YouTube, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite local programs.
In 2021, the station expanded its reach by broadcasting the Connie Mack World Series, one of Farmington’s most beloved sporting traditions.
“At KSJE, our mission is the community,” said Michlin. “We’re proud to be the home of the Connie Mack World Series and to bring stories that reflect the heart of the Four Corners.”
In 2024, the station partnered with Zia Drone Operations and SJC Media Services to add aerial footage, offering a stunning new perspective on local storytelling.
A Lasting Legacy and a Bright Future
Today, KSJE stands as a testament to the vision of Dr. Henderson and the countless individuals who believed in the power of public broadcasting. From classical music to community news, KSJE continues to serve as a cultural bridge, connecting generations through sound, sight and storytelling.
To celebrate its 35th anniversary, KSJE offered free tickets to Ballets with a Twist – Cocktail Hour: The Show. The performance blended charisma, choreography and live music in a dazzling celebration of creativity and culture.
Join SJC and KSJE in honoring this milestone and the station’s continuing legacy as the cultural heart of the Four Corners.
