The mission of KSDS-FM is to present, preserve and promote the uniquely American art form that is Jazz. Through programming, events and education, KSDS advances the appreciation and understanding of Jazz with a local, national and international audience while providing outreach for our licensee, the San Diego Community College District, and San Diego City College. The programming on KSDS concentrates on blending the new and upcoming artists with the great performers of the past who have given jazz its identity. From artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jelly Roll Morton to Rob McConnell, Bobby Watson, Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis. Also, the newest heavies on the scene like Brad Mehldau, Christian Scott and Esperanza Spalding. KSDS Jazz88.3 is a non-profit 501c3 organization, a part of the San Diego City College Foundation. KSDS is a full-time mainstream/traditional Jazz radio station, licensed to the San Diego Community College District, broadcasting 24 hours a day from the campus of San Diego City College. Founded in 1951, the station began programming Jazz in 1973 and became San Diego’s only full-time Jazz station in 1985. KSDS is licensed by the FCC as a non-commercial, non-profit educational radio station and operates with 22,000 watts at 88.3 on the FM dial. In 1993 the National Association of Broadcasters awarded KSDS the "Jazz Station of the Year" distinction, receiving the prestigious Marconi Award. Numerous nominations and awards have followed, including Finalist nominations for Jazz Station of the Year in both 2004 and 2005. KSDS was also nominated for the "Large Market Station" of the year award by the NAB in 2008. In 2011 and 2014, KSDS was awarded JazzWeek Magazine's award determined by the vote of Record Companies, professional peers and readers of JazzWeek.
