Iowa Catholic Radio increases power

On April 1, 2025, Iowa Catholic Radio took a historic step with the launch of the NEW KIHS 105.5 FM, licensed to Perry, IA. Broadcasting at 10,000-watts (directional), the NEW KIHS replaces AM 1150 KDLX (formerly KWKY), and its companion 94.5 FM Translator (K233BT), both licensed to Des Moines. 

Several years in the making, the NEW KIHS offers a much-needed improvement in coverage for the Des Moines metro and beyond. Some of the larger communities which will benefit from the new signal include Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Granger, Grimes, Johnston, Polk City, Saylorville, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines. 

Iowa Catholic Radio has also obtained permission from the Federal Communications Commission to upgrade the NEW KIHS to 10,000-watts with a nondirectional pattern, which would improve coverage to Ames and surrounding areas. 

The call letters KIHS, first obtained by Iowa Catholic Radio in 2012 for 88.5 FM (now KQBV), licensed to Adel, IA, represent a Latin acronym for Iesus Hominum Salvator – Jesus Savior of Mankind. IHS is also a Christogram – a combination of letters that correspond to the holy name “Jesus.” A slightly different and lesser-known version is signified in another recent Iowa Catholic Radio acquisition, viz., 34,000-watt KIHC 105.3 FM, licensed to Chariton, IA. With the purchase of these two signals immediately adjacent to each other on the dial, the NEW KIHS and KIHC have firmly ensconced Iowa Catholic Radio’s FM presence in central/southcentral Iowa. 

The year 2025 has already been busy for the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, with the launch of new FM signals covering the Iowa Great Lakes region (Jan. 11th) and Mason City (Feb. 11th). The Network now boasts nine (9) signals, with a total population reach of over 1.2 million. 

Iowa Catholic Radio is also available everywhere via the free Iowa Catholic Radio mobile app, which features a variety of podcasts and devotional content on demand, along with the Iowa Catholic Radio Sacred Music channel. 

Now celebrating its 20th year of broadcasting, Iowa Catholic Radio’s mission is to connect people to Christ and His Church on their faith journey. 

For more information about the Iowa Catholic Radio Network, visit IowaCatholicRadio.com or call 515-223-1150. 

 Iowa Catholic Radio is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, running solely on contributions from listeners. To support our mission, visit Giving Options at IowaCatholicRadio.com.

AREA NEWS