KBJT

KBJT
Broadcast areaSouth Central Arkansas
Frequency1590 kHz
BrandingTalk Radio 1590
Programming
FormatNews/Talk
Ownership
OwnerKBJT, Inc.
KQEW
History
First air date
August 1, 1959
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID33663
ClassD
Power4,700 watts (day)
35 watts (night)
Transmitter coordinates
33°48′10″N 92°26′10″W / 33.80278°N 92.43611°W / 33.80278; -92.43611
Translator(s)K255DI (98.9 MHz, Fordyce)
Links
Public license information
Websitekbjtkq.com

KBJT (1590 AM, "Talk Radio 1590") is a radio station licensed to serve Fordyce, Arkansas, United States. The station, established in 1959, is currently owned by KBJT, Inc.

Programming

KBJT broadcasts a news/talk radio format featuring a mix of local news, community affairs, and syndicated talk shows.[2] Local programming includes regional and state news, weather, local government meetings, and a tradio show called "Swap Shop".[3] Syndicated programming includes talk shows hosted by Laura Ingraham, Jerry Doyle,[4] Greg Knapp, G. Gordon Liddy, Dave Ramsey,[5] and Michael Reagan.[6]

History

This station began regular broadcast operations on August 1, 1959, with 250 watts of power on a frequency of 1570 kHz.[7] The station was launched under the ownership of KBJT, Inc., with Kermit F. Tracy serving as president, general manager, and chief engineer.[7] The station was assigned the KBJT call sign by the Federal Communications Commission.[8]

Mack R. Smith acquired license-holder KBJT, Inc., on January 3, 1962.[9] Smith would run KBJT for 15 years before selling the company to a group led by Gary Coates and his brother Paul Coates in a transaction consummated on March 15, 1977.[10] By 1980, Gary Coates had full control of KBJT, Inc., and he has served as the station's general manager since 1977.

In January 1984, the station applied to the FCC for a power increase in its daytime signal to 1,000 watts.[11] The FCC granted KBJT this authorization on August 3, 1984.[11]

Nearly 20 years later, in June 2004, the FCC authorized a change in frequency from 1570 to 1590 kHz, an increase in daytime power to 4,700 watts, and the addition of a nighttime signal at 35 watts.[12] The FCC issued a new license to cover these changes on July 2, 2007.[13]

Notable alumni

  • Sam Conn, a former intern, is now an actor and award-winning journalist.

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KBJT". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Station Information Profile". Arbitron. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  3. ^ "About KBJT-AM Radio". KBJT/KQEW Radio. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  4. ^ "Radio Stations: Arkansas". Jerry Doyle. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  5. ^ O'Malley, Leslie (March 1, 2008). "Personal finance course offers peace from anxiety, debt". Arkansas Catholic.
  6. ^ "People & Programs on KBJT". KBJT/KQEW Radio. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  7. ^ a b "Directory of AM and FM Radio Stations in the U.S.". 1959 Broadcasting Yearbook. Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1959. p. B-109.
  8. ^ "Call Sign History". FCC Media Bureau CDBS Public Access Database. Retrieved May 12, 2009.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ "The Facilities of Radio". 1969 Broadcasting Yearbook. Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1969. p. B-12.
  10. ^ "The Facilities of Radio". 1979 Broadcasting Yearbook. Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1979. p. C-13.
  11. ^ a b "Application Search Details (BP-19840116AG)". FCC Media Bureau. August 3, 1984.
  12. ^ "Application Search Details (BP-20040107ALE)". FCC Media Bureau. June 3, 2004.
  13. ^ "Application Search Details (BL-20070425AIK)". FCC Media Bureau. July 2, 2007.