KFMG - 94.9 Mhz
1964-1975
KNDR, "New Directions Radio," went on the air on 94.9 Mhz in 1961, with studios in the Brown Hotel at 4th and Keo and it's transmitter piggybacked with KDMI at NE 44th Ct. and Easton Blvd. KNDR ran an automated classical music format with locally hosted evening jazz programs. The station did not make it financially and left the air in November 1962.
Newspaper article about KNDR/KFMG changeover
94.9 returned to the air as KFMG on May 31, 1964 under new ownership, "The Iowa Fine Music Broadcasting Corp." The transmitter was moved to the roof of the Brown Hotel. KFMG was a fine arts station until 1970 when the programming began to evolve toward alternative rock. The station was sold to Stoner Broadcasting in 1971. The call letters were changed to KGGO "Go 95" in 1975.
KFMG program schedule brochure page 1 page 2 page 3.
Newsletter notice -- KFMG going to stereo transmission November 28, 1968.
On March 1, 1970, under the direction of Ron Sorenson, the station changed to a free form style that encompassed a wide variety of music, including progressive rock. During the later years of the fine arts format, Ron Sorenson had introduced alternative rock on his late night rock show.
The KFMG call letters were again used in the Des Moines area in 1992 on a Pella licensed station at 103.3 Mhz. Ron Sorenson owned and operated that station until selling it to Saga Communcations in 1996. 103.3 is now KAZR. KFMG has returned as a low-power FM station running 100 watts on 98.9mhz. It is a non-commercial operation.
KFMG Staff date unknown.
1970 North High School Ad Featuring Ron Sorenson Sold by student Chris Melvedt
KFMG sign-on aproximately 1972
This KFMG history is nowhere near complete, but this section of the site will grow as we gather more information and media.
Thanks to Larry Vavroch for the pictures and ads, and Bob Ogburn for the audio.
Larry is in the process of putting together a written history of KFMG.
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Des Moines Radio Stations page
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