PINE HILL, N.M. – Among the ponderosa pines of Ramah Navajo, KTDB 89.7 FM Radio Station, known as the Tł’ohchiní Diné’é Bi Radio, stands as the primary source of news and community connection.
Locals like Martha Chatto, the station’s program producer, help build community storytelling alongside her team. They report on the Pine Hill Warriors sports teams, rodeo events, open houses, and cultural ceremonies important to community members.
Founded on April 25, 1972, KTDB is an educational radio station operated by the Ramah Navajo School Board, Inc. With a 50-mile broadcast radius, it remains a vital information lifeline for the region, with the station celebrating its 53rd anniversary of live broadcasting on April 24.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the station provided updates about the virus’s status, both locally and globally. Today, it continues to serve as the main communication source for residents of the Ramah Navajo area.
“Most of our elders are gone now, but what they used to do was record and tell stories of their childhood years,” said Chatto. She produces stories on Navajo history, native stories, and childcare, emphasizing that radio was once a primary means of communication within their community.
Tł’ohchiní Diné’é Bi Radio is unique because its content is created by the community, for the community. Barbara Maria, the station manager, explains that local voices shape the programming.
The station staff is small but dedicated, including Barbara Maria (station manager), Irene Beaver (program manager), Martha Chatto (program producer), Jeremy Natan (program producer) and Lupita Adeky (program producer).
“Our founding fathers were the Ramah Navajo School Board, Inc., who started the school,” Chatto added.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren emphasizes the importance of radio as a communication tool across the Navajo Nation. He provides weekly updates to the entire Navajo population via radio broadcasts.
“Radio remains a critical communication tool for our Navajo elders and communities,” President Nygren said. “It enables quick sharing of information, and supporting local stations like Tł’ohchiní Diné’é Bi Radio keeps our communities connected and informed across the larger Navajo Nation.”
