Navajo Broadcast Enterprise to break ground for new Diné Media Center

WINDOW ROCK-Just over two decades after it first hit the airwaves, KTNN 660 AM radio station "The Voice of the Navajo Nation" and its sister station "Capital Country" KWRK 96.1 FM will break ground for a new facility.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new two-story, 18,000-plus square feet facility will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 2, at the Karigan Estates in St. Michaels. The facility will be constructed on Karigan Estates land tract No. 4.

The stations' parent organization, Native Broadcast Enterprise (NBE) purchased nearly two acres of private land last year.

"This is historic for NBE and we're so excited!" said NBE Management Board chairperson Tina James-Tafoya. "The staff really needs to be commended for making the best out of its current station for so long," she added. The current "station" is a culmination of several structures, including a portable building, which was donated by a tribal department in the mid-80's and several additions built on throughout the years.

Plans for the new media center are not complete, but so far they include new studios, offices, a boardroom and serious consideration of a television studio. There will also be opportunities for other businesses to rent office space at the new facility.

"Financing the multi-million dollar facility is a big challenge, but it's not stopping us. This is going to be a huge investment for us and we are looking at several sources, including the Navajo Nation Council, who has always been good to us," said James-Tafoya.

The tribal enterprise is inviting the entire Navajo Nation, along with tribal, state and federal dignitaries to join them for the groundbreaking ceremony.

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