Boise State Public Radio Knocked Off Air Due To Construction Mishap.

Aug 15, 2023

Boise State Public Radio, which broadcasts on a combination of 21 full-signal FMs and FM translators across the state is back on a handful of signals after being knocked off the air due to a power outage caused by contractors working on a manhole cover. The workers damaged a fiber optic cable, which caused an internet outage on the campus of Boise State University, where the public media group is located.

“Boise State Public Radio is experiencing a network outage that is affecting all of our broadcast signals,” a web post read. “This includes the radio and all digital signals including streaming devices, the app, and on our website.”

The message continued, “Syringa Networks told our staff late Wednesday night contractors at the corner of Broadway and Beacon installed a concrete collar around a manhole, which resulted in damage to the fiber optic cable. This caused an internet outage to all of Boise State's campus and damaged over 200 fiber connections.”

As of Friday afternoon, the streams of the network’s news and music programming were back online and over-the-air broadcasting had resumed on KBSX Boise (91.5), which serves as the flagship news/talk outlet of the network, and KBSU Boise (90.3), which is the flagship classical music station of Boise Public Radio.

Also returning to the air were, news/talk simulcasts KBSQ McCall (90.7), KBSS Sun Valley (91.1), KBSW Twin Falls (91.7), and KBSY Burley (88.5), along with two translator signals.

Five full-signal affiliates and eight translator signals have yet to return to the air, according to a station update.