11/1/2006 

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Hmong Businessman Acquires KPNP 1600 AM

Dai Thao

Minneapolis, MN - Peter Phia Xiong, co-owner and radio show host at Hmong Minnesota Radio has recently purchased "Radio Diverse" AM 1600 KPNP, to serve the underserved communities in the Twins Cities.

Mr. Xiong was a successful broker and property investor before he and three partners created Hmong Minnesota Radio, a low band station requiring the use of a special radio, in 2003. For Mr. Xiong what was once a dream is now a thriving business - serving the Hmong community with news, entertainment, and cultural programming. In recent years the Hmong Minnesota Radio has connected the homebound and elderly. It has made their universe smaller and a lot less lonely. It has created a community within the Hmong community for those who long for the sweet sound of Hmong songs, culture, and information on world events.

Hmong newspapers and radio have become part of the Hmong American culture and a tool to reach thousands of people. "Radio can change a person's mind like any other media," said Mr. Xiong. "The media becomes so powerful that it can make a person happy or mad. It could move a community forward, faster."

Studies have shown that people learn differently. Some learn visually and others through sound. Hmong has a rich oral tradition of history and stories passed down from one generation to the next, which is similar to radio, only more mobile. Mr. Xiong agreed, "Many of the diverse communities are learning by hearing rather than by reading. It is so easy to listen to radio, people can listen in their car while traveling, in their kitchen while cooking, doing laundry, etc."

No one knows how long Hmong Minnesota Radio will be running. According to a source who asked to remain anonymous, "Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), who owns their low -band frequency has attempted to shut down Hmong Minnesota Radio, but so far has failed. It seems like MPR is threatened by Hmong Minnesota Radio's presence on the radio. It feels like they want to keep radio to only their people."



Mr. Xiong remains a partner in Hmong Minnesota Radio and continues to host his evening program while being the sole host for the programs on AM 1600.

Getting into the radio business and obtaining airtime has been a difficult journey up to this point. There are always obstacles according to Mr. Xiong. Using his past experience, Mr. Xiong has designed AM 1600 to serve the Somali, Lao, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Hmong communities everyday from 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. "We would like the Diverse Community to feel like they have a home here and give the mainstream the opportunity to reach the Diverse Community," said Mr. Xiong.

Even with the slogan "One message reaches all," operating a radio station is an expansive business and Mr. Xiong is the only staff for now. He said money is not his priority. He is more interested in educating, informing and entertaining the community. Money is a by-product of servicing the community. And he believes the community can support AM 1600. "In my opinion, a dollar invested in radio programming to the diverse community is worth more than $100 invested into flyers and brochures. AM 1600 belongs to the Diverse Community and I strongly believe that the diverse community can support it."

AM 1600 is believe to be the second Hmong owned radio station in the United States. The first is a Fresno station owned by Su Thao. Currently the AM 1600's best reception is in Minneapolis or Hennepin County. All the shows and programming are done at AM 1600's studio in North Minneapolis and then sent to a tower west of the metro area. For now the distance from the tower to St. Paul is just too great to get quality reception. This is something that Mr. Xiong is working to correct. Hours and schedule are posted on their website at www.radiodiverse.com.

Mr. Xiong invites any one interested in volunteering for the station or to learn more about how radio can impact their business to contact him. "AM 1600 is receptive to accepting ideas from the community," said Mr. Xiong. "It was the Hmong who helped get to where I am today. My radio station is open to them, just give me a call."