our story
Siouxland Catholic Radio began as an idea in the mid 1990’s, springing out of a weekly prayer group hosted by Father Harold Cooper of the Diocese of Sioux City. Thanks to a group of determined laypeople, and the leadership of Father Cooper, the group eventually secured a broadcast license from the FCC to make their dream a reality.
After nearly a decade of effort and prayer, the station went on the air at 10 a.m., Feb. 5, 2008, broadcasting Catholic programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. National programming was generated by EWTN and Ave Maria Radio. The station chose St. Gabriel Communications as its corporate name, after the patron saint of communications. In 2012, a sister station was added, KOIA in Storm Lake, further broadening the reach of Siouxland Catholic Radio.
St. Gabriel Communications continues to rely on the generosity of donors, volunteers and local business underwriters to maintain operations.
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Learn more in our newly published book, "Broadcasting A Dream: 15 Years of KFHC Catholic Radio 88.1 FM," written by journalist and Board member, Joanne Fox.
Father Harold Cooper
KFHC’s call letters are named for Father Harold Cooper, whose vision it was to create a Catholic radio station in Siouxland. Saint Gabriel Communications, LTD, was the longtime dream of Father Cooper, and reflects his perseverance in delivering orthodox Catholic communications to encourage evangelization for all the faithful within the listening area.
Father Cooper died on Sept. 1, 2007, before Siouxland Catholic Radio went on the air — but the priest played an important role in making the radio station a reality, and he is recognized as the station’s founder.
Also known as the founder of Trinity Heights Queen of Peace in Sioux City, and beloved by countless Catholics and non-Catholics in Northwest Iowa, Father Cooper was a visionary leader who was always looking for ways to evangelize Siouxland. His guidance and presence are still felt every day at Siouxland Catholic Radio.
