Our fellow Community First Broadcasting station, KUOO Campus Radio in Spirit Lake, celebrated its 40th birthday on Tuesday with a nostalgic journey back to 1985. Founded by Paul Hedberg, the station has been a cornerstone of the community since its inception. Hedberg had to navigate some challenges to secure the KUOO call letters, which were initially assigned to a naval ship.
Known as the official radio station of the mythical “University of Okoboji,” KUOO quickly established itself as a unique FM station with the dedication of a full-time AM station, catering to both locals and visitors. The station’s credibility and community focus were evident from the start, earning it the title of Small Market Radio Station of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters in 1994.
To mark this milestone, KUOO hosted an open house at their Spirit Lake studio, where listeners met the talent and shared stories from the past 40 years. The celebration continued on the air throughout the day, with many original staff members and community figures reminiscing about the station’s early days and listeners were treated to tunes from 1985.
Program Director Keith Cech highlighted the station’s deep community ties, noting that KUOO’s commitment to local news, sports, and events sets it apart in today’s digital age. Despite the changes in the broadcast world since 1985, KUOO’s loyal listeners continue to tune in to 104-FM, ensuring the station’s ongoing success.
News and Weather Director Steve Schwaller emphasized the importance of local radio in providing news, information, and sports coverage that can’t be found online. He expressed gratitude for the listeners’ support, which has been crucial to the station’s longevity. The celebration will continue with giveaways and prizes, culminating in a concert at Captains Getaway on May 29th. As KUOO looks to the future, the team is excited to see what the next 40 years will bring, thanks to the unwavering support of their community. Congrats to our fellow Community First Broadcasting station!
(The quotes from Cech and Schwaller are courtesy of our media partner KTIV TV in Sioux City)
