KDCR began broadcasting August 16, 1968, from the campus of Dordt College. KDCR was then, and is now, owned by Dordt College, Inc., and governed by the Dordt College Board of Trustees.

Although the station is used as a laboratory to train students interested in a broadcasting career, KDCR never was a typical college radio station. While most college-owned radio stations broadcast to a campus audience, KDCR has always broadcast far beyond Dordt College's campus boundaries. In 1968 KDCR began broadcasting at 48,000 watts and to a radius of 50-60 miles. Today the station broadcasts at 100,000 watts to a radius of 80-90 miles. KDCR can also be heard live around the world via the World Wide Web.

KDCR follows closely in the Reformed, Christian tradition that gave rise and shape to Dordt College. This tradition also gives shape to how KDCR understands the authority of God's Word for the mass media. KDCR strives to obediently communicate God's unfolding creation, equipping and encouraging listeners to live according to His Word.

God's Word is the foundation upon which KDCR rests. His Word shapes the station's task, its responsibilities, and its role.

KDCR is on the air 24 hours a day, broadcasting a variety of music genres, numerous devotional programs, and play-by-play action of Dordt College and local high school sports events.