KTIC (AM)

Last updated

KTIC
Broadcast area
Frequency 840 kHz C-QUAM AM stereo
Branding840 Rural Radio
Programming
Format Classic country
Affiliations CBS News Radio
Ownership
OwnerNebraska Rural Radio Association
KTIC-FM
History
Former call signs
KWPN (1984–1995)
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
 FCC
Facility ID 33880
Class AM & FM: D
Power AM: 5,000 watts (daytime only)
ERP K252EG: 205 watts
K254CX: 250 watts
Transmitter coordinates
 41°47′3″N96°40′47.1″W / 41.78417°N 96.679750°W / 41.78417; -96.679750
Translators
  • 98.3 K252EG (West Point)
  • 98.7 K254CX (Norfolk)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen live
Website ruralradio.com/ktic/

KTIC (840 kHz) is an AM radio station broadcasting a classic country format. Like its sister music station KTIC-FM, it is licensed to West Point, Nebraska, United States. The station serves eastern Nebraska and the Sioux City area. The station is owned by the Nebraska Rural Radio Association and features programming from CBS News Radio. [2]

Contents

History

KTIC first began broadcasting on March 17, 1985, under the original call sign KWPN. At its inception, the station was owned by Kelly Communications, led by David and Sharon Kelly, and operated as a daytime-only station with a power of 2,500 watts. The station’s primary focus from the start was serving the agricultural community with a blend of country music, farm news, and weekend polka programming. In 1988, the station increased its daytime power to 5,000 watts. Although the owners sought a construction permit for unlimited 24-hour operation, the request was denied by the FCC because the 840 AM frequency is a clear-channel signal reserved for WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky at night.

The station officially changed its call letters to KTIC in 1995 to better align with its identity as a farm and market information leader. In August 1997, the station was sold to the Nebraska Rural Radio Association for $1.5 million, becoming part of a farmer-owned cooperative network designed to provide critical market and weather data to rural areas. [3]

Programming

As a primary affiliate of the Rural Radio Network, KTIC provides "Futures Updates" and agricultural news twice every hour during the trading day. The Rural Radio network is a part of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. The station's commitment to the local community includes dedicated programming slots for regional agricultural organizations and a heavy emphasis on weather updates, which were historically prioritized by the Nebraska Rural Radio Association following devastating blizzards in the late 1940s. [4] [5]

KTIC uses C-QUAM AM Stereo, a broadcasting method that allows the AM signal to be received in stereo by compatible tuners. While many AM stations abandoned the technology in the 1990s, KTIC maintained its commitment to using the technology. [6] In 1992, the station also transitioned into a "Full Service" model, expanding its newsroom focused exclusively on regional events and news relevant to the agribusiness sector. [7]

While the 840 AM signal is required to cease operations at sunset to protect the clear-channel signal of WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky, the station maintains a 24-hour presence through its FM translators. Its programming is currently simulcast on 98.3 FM (K252EG) in West Point and 98.7 FM (K254CX) in Norfolk. [8] These translators operate at a power of 205 watts and 250 watts, respectively, ensuring that the station's farm and market reports remain accessible after the AM transmitter is powered down. [9]

Logo before 98.7 translator sign on KTIC AM840-98.3FM logo.png
Logo before 98.7 translator sign on

References

  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KTIC". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ↑ "KTIC Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. ↑ "840 AM, West Point". Nebraska Broadcasters Association Archive. June 28, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  4. ↑ "KTIC Radio / Rural Radio Network". Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  5. ↑ "About the Nebraska Rural Radio Association". Rural Radio Network. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  6. ↑ "AM Stereo Broadcasting". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  7. ↑ "1993 Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. 1993. p. B-226. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Governor's Call-in Show". Nebraska Broadcasters Association. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Public Notice: Licensing and Management System Admin" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. May 24, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.


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