John Warfield, PhD (né John Lewis Warfield; 1938–2007), a University of Texas Professor of African-American studies, was the pioneering founder KAZI-FM, a noncommercial radio station aimed at serving the African-American community in Austin. His success came with the help of his wife, Jan (née Jeanette Aycox; 1941–2015), several board members, and a host of volunteers and supporters. KAZI debuted on air August 29, 1982, 2 PM – forty-one years ago – broadcasting from a studio on Manor Road. Although its mission, before its debut, was to serve African-Americans of Austin, when it finally debuted, its focus had expanded to appeal to Hispanics and a general audience, according to the station's founding manager, Cheryl Anderson Strange (maiden; born 1947). Warfield was the founding President.
The station primarily features an urban contemporary radio format and also plays other styles of music such as R&B, Hip Hop, Gospel, Blues, Soul, Reggae, and Jazz. In addition, KAZI provides educational programming, community information, and independent news.
