List of radio stations in Kansas

The List of radio stations in Kansas encompasses all full-power AM and FM broadcast stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate within the state, including both commercial and non-commercial entities. As of 2024, Kansas hosts 61 AM stations and 160 FM stations, for a total of 221 licensed radio outlets that provide diverse programming such as news, music, talk, and public affairs to residents across urban and rural areas.^[1] These stations are regulated by the FCC under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which governs broadcast services including frequency assignments, licensing procedures, and operational standards for AM (540–1700 kHz) and FM (88–108 MHz) bands.^[2] The list typically organizes stations by call sign, frequency, city of license, format, and ownership, facilitating reference for listeners, researchers, and broadcasters seeking coverage in specific locales. Kansas's radio landscape reflects its geography, with stations concentrated in key areas to reach the state's population of approximately 2.94 million (2025 est.), while translators and boosters extend signals in remote regions.^[3][4] As of 2024, the state's primary radio markets include Wichita, the largest at rank 105 nationally with a 12+ population of 534,300; Topeka (rank 198, 198,300); and Salina-Manhattan (rank 198, 198,300), alongside the Kansas-side contributions to the Kansas City market (national rank 34, 1,853,800).^[5] Non-commercial educational stations, often affiliated with public networks like Kansas Public Radio, play a vital role in underserved communities, offering NPR programming and local content on reserved non-commercial frequencies (88.1–91.9 MHz).^[6] Commercial stations dominate larger markets, delivering formats like country, classic rock, and sports, supported by organizations such as the Kansas Association of Broadcasters that advocate for industry interests.^[7] This compilation excludes low-power FM (LPFM) stations, which are limited to non-commercial educational use with 100 watts or less, though they number in the dozens across Kansas.^[8]

Background

Historical development

Radio broadcasting in Kansas emerged in the early 1920s amid nationwide experimentation with wireless technology, with the state's first notable stations appearing as portable or experimental operations. One pioneering example was WIBW in Topeka, which began operations on July 24, 1925, initially as a portable station owned by C. L. Carrell in Chicago before anchoring permanently in Topeka by 1928.^[9] Acquired by the Topeka Broadcasting Association (controlled by Capper Publishing Co.) in December 1928, WIBW focused on local programming, including agricultural reports shared with Kansas State Agricultural College's station KSAC on 580 kHz, providing vital information to farmers during the challenging Dust Bowl era of the 1930s.^[9] These broadcasts helped disseminate weather updates, crop advice, and market news to rural communities devastated by drought and soil erosion, complementing efforts like Kansas State University's Agriculture Today program, which originated in the 1920s as a farm-focused radio hour.^[10] The 1930s and 1940s saw significant expansion as Kansas stations affiliated with national networks, enhancing their reach and programming diversity. Stations like KMBC in Kansas City (serving eastern Kansas) joined CBS in 1928 as its 16th affiliate, airing network dramas, news, and variety shows while maintaining local content.^[11] WIBW aligned with NBC, broadcasting affiliated content alongside regional reports, and many others followed suit with NBC or CBS ties, which became crucial during World War II for relaying national events such as war updates and bond drives to Kansas listeners.^[9] This era marked a shift from experimental to commercial viability, with power increases and frequency reallocations by the Federal Radio Commission stabilizing operations across the state. Post-World War II prosperity fueled a radio boom in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in rural areas, as FM broadcasting gained traction for its superior sound quality. The introduction of FM stations addressed AM limitations in covering Kansas's vast farmlands, with outlets like KVOE in Emporia signing on its AM signal in 1950 and expanding to FM in the mid-1950s to serve agricultural and community needs.^[12] This period saw dozens of new stations launch, driven by economic recovery and demand for local news, music, and sports, solidifying radio's role in connecting isolated communities. Deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, profoundly reshaped Kansas radio by removing national ownership caps, enabling rapid consolidation. Previously limited to 40 stations nationwide, companies like Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) expanded aggressively, acquiring over 1,200 stations by 2000, including multiple in Kansas markets like Wichita and Topeka, which reduced local ownership and standardized programming.^[13] This led to efficiencies but also concerns over diminished community focus. In the 2000s and 2010s, digital transitions modernized Kansas broadcasting, with stations adopting HD Radio for enhanced audio and data services. For instance, Wichita's KFH implemented HD capabilities in the mid-2000s, allowing multicast channels and improved reception amid growing competition from digital media.^[14] Precursors to modern public radio, such as university stations KFKU (University of Kansas, 1924) and KSAC (Kansas State, 1924), evolved into networks like Kansas Public Radio, which launched KANU in 1952 but built on 1930s educational programming traditions.^[15] By the 2020s, FCC incentives for all-digital AM operations—authorized voluntarily in 2020 to boost signal clarity without analog interference—encouraged hybrid analog-digital formats in Kansas, alongside streaming integrations that extended reach via apps and online platforms post-2010.^[16]

Current regulatory framework

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees radio broadcasting in Kansas through a comprehensive licensing framework designed to promote spectrum efficiency, minimize interference, and serve the public interest. All full-power AM and FM stations require a construction permit, filed electronically via FCC Form 301, followed by a license application upon completion of facilities; these processes evaluate technical feasibility, including signal propagation models tailored to Kansas's diverse terrain, from urban centers like Wichita to expansive rural areas in the west.^[4] AM stations operate in the 540-1700 kHz band, with class designations dictating power levels: Class A stations, often used for broad coverage in sparsely populated regions, transmit at 10-50 kW day and night on clear channels to reach wide audiences without co-channel interference; Class B regional stations range from 0.25-50 kW for medium-market service; and Class C local stations limit power to 0.25-1 kW, suitable for smaller communities. FM stations broadcast in the 88-108 MHz band, where classes like C (up to 100 kW ERP) enable high-power service over large rural expanses, while Class A (up to 3 kW) supports compact urban signals; the 88-92 MHz segment is reserved exclusively for non-commercial educational (NCE) operations to foster public and community broadcasting.^[17][18][19] Tower construction and placement fall under FCC Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) requirements for environmental and aviation safety reviews, supplemented by Kansas state law (K.S.A. 66-2019) that standardizes permitting for wireless facilities to expedite deployment while allowing local zoning input for land use compatibility. Participation in the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is mandatory for all Kansas radio stations since its nationwide implementation in 1997, requiring weekly tests and integration with the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for disseminating emergency information like severe weather alerts prevalent in the state.^[20][21] As of 2025, FCC policies continue to evolve, including post-2013 expansions under the Local Community Radio Act that opened a third LPFM filing window in 2023, contributing to dozens of LPFM licenses issued in Kansas by 2024 to enhance local voices in underserved areas; additionally, stations may provide datacasting services—such as traffic or weather data—via subsidiary communications authorization (SCA) on FM subcarriers or HD Radio sidebands, governed by Part 73 rules without dedicated 2025 updates but aligned with broader digital audio enhancements. Kansas supports approximately 221 full-power stations (61 AM and 160 FM) as of 2024, along with numerous translators and boosters, with about 20% designated as non-commercial to prioritize educational and public service programming.^[8][22][2]

Active commercial stations

AM stations

Active commercial AM radio stations in Kansas operate primarily in the medium-wave band from 540 to 1600 kHz, serving urban centers like Wichita and Topeka as well as rural areas across the state's vast plains.^[23] As of November 2025, there are approximately 60 active commercial AM stations licensed in the state, many focusing on formats such as news/talk, sports, country, and farm/agricultural programming to reach Kansas's agricultural and commuter audiences.^[24] These stations face technical constraints typical of AM broadcasting, including reduced nighttime power to mitigate skywave interference, but benefit from the state's flat terrain, which enhances groundwave propagation for reliable daytime coverage over long distances. For instance, low-frequency stations like WIBW in Topeka achieve extensive reach due to excellent ground conductivity in the region. Major ownership groups dominate the market, with Cumulus Media operating at least five AM stations in Kansas, including key outlets in the Kansas City and Topeka markets. Other significant owners include iHeartMedia and local clusters like Audacy. Technical operations often involve directional antennas, particularly in the crowded 1000-1600 kHz portion of the band, to avoid co-channel interference from distant stations—a common necessity given the allocation of frequencies across the continental U.S.^[25] Unique aspects of Kansas AM broadcasting include adaptations to serve sparse rural populations, where stations like KKOZ in Yates Center provide essential local news and weather updates despite limited signal power. Recent format shifts have emphasized sports and talk, such as KFH in Wichita, which has maintained a sports format since the 2010s under iHeartMedia ownership. Agricultural-focused stations, like KFRM in Salina, continue to thrive amid evolving listener habits, offering commodity reports vital to the state's economy. The following table lists selected active commercial AM stations in Kansas as of 2025, organized alphabetically by call sign. Details include frequency, city of license, power (daytime/nighttime where applicable), and primary format. This is representative, not exhaustive. ^[23]

FM stations

Commercial FM radio stations in Kansas deliver high-fidelity audio for music, entertainment, and targeted local programming, serving a statewide audience through a network of full-power transmitters optimized for the region's expansive plains. As of November 2025, approximately 140 such stations operate across the state, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on frequencies between 88.1 and 107.9 MHz, with many classified as Class C facilities capable of up to 100 kW effective radiated power (ERP) to achieve wide coverage areas often exceeding 60 miles in radius. These stations emphasize diverse formats like country, rock, and contemporary hits, reflecting listener preferences in both urban hubs such as Wichita and rural western counties.^[26][27] Country music remains a dominant format, particularly in western Kansas, where agricultural communities favor stations broadcasting local news alongside mainstream country tracks; for example, KKJQ 97.3 MHz in Garden City maintains a full-time country focus, contributing to the genre's prevalence in over 40% of rural FM outlets. In contrast, urban markets feature greater format variety, including classic rock and top 40, with overlapping signal contours in border areas like Kansas City enabling competition between Kansas- and Missouri-licensed stations. Ownership is concentrated among national groups such as iHeartMedia and Audacy (formerly Entercom), which control clusters in cities like Wichita and Topeka, alongside smaller local operators in outlying areas. Recent shifts include Audacy's 2024 flip of KRBZ 96.5 MHz in Mission (now KFNZ) to an all-sports format, rebranding it as "96.5 The Fan".^[28] Many stations leverage HD Radio technology for multicasting, enabling subchannels with niche content like sports or specialty music without interfering with primary analog signals. A notable early adopter is KFDI-FM 101.3 MHz in Wichita, which has offered HD subchannels since 2006, including a simulcast of its country main channel and additional programming like classic country on HD2. Technical configurations often involve directional antennas to minimize interference in overlapping markets, such as the Kansas City metro, where Class C stations like KQRC 98.9 MHz in Leavenworth broadcast at 100 kW to reach both Kansas and Missouri listeners. The following table presents representative active commercial FM stations in Kansas, selected from major markets and organized alphabetically by call sign. It includes frequency, licensed city, ERP (where specified in FCC records), and primary format as of 2025. This selection highlights format diversity and market coverage, with full FCC details available for verification.

Active non-commercial stations

Public and educational stations

Public and educational radio stations in Kansas operate as non-commercial entities, primarily affiliated with universities, community colleges, and public broadcasting networks, providing ad-free programming focused on news, classical music, jazz, educational content, and local community issues. These stations are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under non-commercial educational (NCE) rules, reserving specific frequencies for such use to promote public interest programming. Kansas hosts several interconnected networks that extend coverage to urban centers like Lawrence and Wichita, as well as rural areas, through full-power stations and translators.^[6] The largest network is Kansas Public Radio (KPR), operated by the University of Kansas since its inception in 1952 with flagship station KANU 91.5 FM in Lawrence, offering statewide coverage of NPR-distributed news and classical music programming. KPR's network includes several stations and translators, emphasizing in-depth reporting on Kansas-specific topics such as education and environmental issues.^[29] Another major player is High Plains Public Radio (HPPR), established in 1979 and serving western Kansas through the Kanza Society, Inc., with a focus on NPR news, classical, folk, and jazz for rural listeners across 20 Kansas counties. HPPR's network of full-power stations and translators includes outlets like KANZ 91.1 FM (Garden City) to bridge coverage gaps in the High Plains region.^[30] Additional networks include Radio Kansas, managed by Hutchinson Community College since 1973, which airs classical music and NPR content across central Kansas, and independent public stations like KMUW 89.1 FM in Wichita, owned by Wichita State University and delivering local journalism since 1959.^[31] Educational stations, often student-operated, provide hands-on broadcasting experience and diverse formats like alternative rock and public affairs. Notable examples include KJHK 90.7 FM at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, a student-run station since 1975 featuring independent music and community programming; KSDB 91.9 FM at Kansas State University in Manhattan, broadcasting student-curated content including local news and eclectic music since 1924; and community college outlets such as KBCU 88.1 FM at Bethel College in North Newton, offering 24-hour non-commercial programming with a focus on regional arts; KBTL 88.1 FM at Butler Community College in El Dorado, delivering classic rock and educational segments; KVCO 88.3 FM at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, student-managed with public service announcements; and KTCC 92.5 FM at Colby Community College, playing nostalgic hits alongside agricultural updates. These stations typically operate at lower power levels but contribute to local educational outreach, with many integrating NPR feeds for broader appeal.^[32][33][34] Programming across these stations centers on NPR staples like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, aired statewide for consistent news coverage, supplemented by unique local content such as agricultural reports from Harvest Public Media, which detail crop yields, farm economics, and rural policy impacts relevant to Kansas's approximately $20 billion agriculture sector. KPR and HPPR also feature classical mornings and jazz evenings, with student stations adding youth-oriented shows on campus events and cultural discussions. In 2025, integrations of podcasts have expanded, with KPR launching enhanced on-demand series like Prairie Journal for lectures and dialogues, available via apps and smart speakers to reach younger audiences amid digital shifts. Rural expansions continue, supported by grants; for instance, HPPR secured funding in October 2025 to build a regional news network amid federal funding challenges from the July 2025 congressional rescission of $1.1 billion in Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding (effective October 1, 2025).^{[35][36][37][38][39]} This table highlights 31 representative full-power and key translator stations, drawn from major networks and educational institutions; the full roster exceeds 40 when including additional low-power repeaters.^{[6][30][40][41][42][32][34]}

Low-power and translator stations

Low-power FM (LPFM) stations and FM translators play a vital role in Kansas radio broadcasting by providing supplemental coverage and niche programming to underserved areas, particularly in rural and urban communities where full-power signals may not reach effectively. As of 2025, Kansas is home to approximately 50 LPFM stations and around 300 FM translators and boosters, according to FCC licensing data. These facilities operate under strict technical constraints, with LPFM limited to 100 watts effective radiated power (ERP) maximum and translators to 250 watts, ensuring they do not interfere with full-power stations.^[8][43] LPFM stations in Kansas are primarily noncommercial and community-oriented, originating local content such as music, news, and educational programming. Eligibility for LPFM licenses expanded under the FCC's 2013 filing window, which allowed new applications after the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 removed previous third-adjacent channel restrictions. A representative example is Oak Grove Radio (KOGR-LP, 98.5 MHz, Minneapolis), a low-power station focused on local, regional, and world music genres, along with educational content, serving the small community of Ottawa County since its authorization. Other community-focused LPFMs include KSWC-LP (94.7 MHz, Winfield), which airs top 40 contemporary hits with local high school involvement, and KOJH-LP (100.5 MHz, Kansas City), offering jazz and community affairs programming. These stations typically cover a radius of 3-5 miles, emphasizing hyper-local engagement.^[8][44] FM translators and boosters in Kansas primarily rebroadcast signals from primary stations to fill coverage gaps, especially in the state's expansive rural regions. For instance, High Plains Public Radio utilizes a network of full-power stations and translators across western Kansas to extend NPR and local news programming over 78 counties, reaching distances exceeding 100 miles in some areas. Similarly, Kansas Public Radio employs translators like K241AR (96.1 MHz, 55 watts, Lawrence) to rebroadcast KANU's classical and jazz formats (91.5 MHz, Lawrence) into adjacent communities. These facilities support diverse purposes, including ethnic programming; for example, KCGG-LP (100.7 MHz, Kansas City) provides Spanish-language religious content tailored to Hispanic audiences. Translators must operate noncommercially unless cross-service from an AM primary and adhere to contour overlap rules to avoid interference.^[30][45] Recent developments have bolstered LPFM growth in Kansas through the FCC's 2023 filing window, with 2 tentative selectees announced in October 2024 for new stations in underserved areas. These additions emphasize niche formats like ethnic and community music, enhancing diversity in regions with limited media options. Overall, these low-power facilities contribute to Kansas's radio landscape by promoting localism and accessibility.^[46][8]

Defunct stations

Notable full-power defunct stations

Several notable full-power radio stations in Kansas have ceased operations over the decades, often due to financial challenges, ownership changes, or shifts in the broadcasting landscape. These stations played key roles in local communities, providing news, music, and entertainment that shaped regional culture and information access. Their closures highlight broader trends in radio, including the impact of economic pressures on rural broadcasters and the evolution of media consumption. The following table lists representative examples of notable full-power defunct stations, selected for their historical significance or community impact. Details include call sign, frequency, city of license, approximate years active, and primary reason for closure, based on verified records. These closures often resulted in the loss of local voices, particularly in rural areas where stations like WREN and KDCC served as vital community hubs for agriculture reports, local events, and emergency information. For instance, WREN's operations in the mid-20th century contributed to regional programming before its 1987 shutdown amid declining ad revenues.^[54] The Telecommunications Act of 1996 accelerated consolidations among station owners, contributing to the demise of independent full-power outlets unable to compete with larger chains. This deregulation allowed fewer companies to control more stations, leading to format homogenization and closures of underperforming rural signals. In Kansas, this trend exacerbated challenges for AM stations facing competition from FM and digital streaming, with several rural full-power AMs shutting down in the early 2020s due to rising operational costs and audience shifts. Post-closure, many frequencies have been reassigned to new licensees, preserving spectrum use. For example, the 1550 kHz allocation previously held by KDCC in Dodge City remains available for potential reuse following its 2024 deletion from FCC records, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain broadcast availability in underserved areas.^[52]

Other defunct and relocated stations

Numerous low-power FM (LPFM) stations and FM translators in Kansas have ceased operations or relocated due to a variety of factors, including failure to meet FCC construction deadlines, financial challenges, and technical issues. These ancillary facilities, often serving niche audiences in rural or underserved areas, represent a significant portion of the state's defunct radio entities, with dozens such licenses deleted from the FCC database since 2010. For instance, KCCC-LP (98.5 MHz) in Hays, an LPFM station operated by Fort Hays State University, is defunct following funding shortfalls. Similarly, KLZY-LP (99.3 MHz) in Salina ceased broadcasting and had its license cancelled in 2025 when it failed to resume operations after going silent in late 2023. FM translators, which rebroadcast signals from primary stations to extend coverage, have also seen high rates of discontinuation, particularly in smaller markets. Another case is K216EX (91.1 MHz) in Lawrence, which discontinued operations after its parent station, KJTY, underwent format changes that rendered the translator obsolete. K255BJ (98.9 MHz), a translator serving rural central Kansas, went silent following equipment failure and lack of maintenance funding. These closures often result from mergers and cost-cutting, as seen in Cumulus Media's 2023 restructuring in the Kansas City market, where several translators like those affiliated with KMJK-FM were idled to consolidate resources.^[55] License relocations have further reshaped Kansas's low-power landscape, with several facilities moving across state lines to optimize market reach. In the 2010s, translators in the Kansas City border area, such as those originally licensed in Kansas but relocated to Missouri, were reassigned to better serve the metro's dual-state audience; for example, a 2015 FCC approval allowed a translator from Overland Park, KS, to shift to Kansas City, MO, under Entercom's ownership.^[56] Call sign changes accompanying relocations are common, as with KMAJ (1440 AM and associated translators in Topeka), which transitioned to new branding in 2023 amid a market repositioning that idled supporting low-power signals.^[57] Natural disasters have contributed to closures, notably the 2019 tornadoes in central Kansas that damaged infrastructure in Hutchinson, affecting translators like those rebroadcasting KSKU-FM; repair costs exceeded available budgets, leading to permanent shutdowns by 2020.^[58] In Wichita, the loss of ethnic-focused translators, such as a former Spanish-language repeater on 93.5 MHz discontinued in 2022 due to interference complaints, has created gaps in coverage for immigrant communities, reducing access to cultural programming. As of November 2025, FCC enforcement on construction permits has accelerated deletions, with over 10 low-power licenses in Kansas lapsing due to unmet build-out deadlines amid rising operational costs. Efforts to revive stations through community buyouts, such as a failed 2024 initiative for a Salina LPFM, highlight ongoing challenges in sustaining these facilities without broader support.^[59] These developments have minor but notable impacts, including reduced niche coverage in areas like Wichita's ethnic broadcasting and rural signal extensions, though primary full-power stations mitigate broader service disruptions.^[60] This table highlights representative examples; comprehensive FCC records document dozens more similar cases since 2010.^[61]