KXRA (AM)

Last updated

KXRA
Broadcast area Alexandria, Minnesota
Frequency 1490 kHz
Branding1490 KXRA
Programming
Format News/Talk
Affiliations Compass Media Networks
Townhall News
Westwood One
Ownership
Owner
KXRA-FM, KXRZ
History
First air date
July 27, 1949 (1949-07-27) [1]
Call sign meaning
Approximation of Alexandria
Technical information [2]
Licensing authority
 FCC
Facility ID 51523
Class C
Power 1,000 watts
Transmitter coordinates
 45°52′06″N95°21′48″W / 45.86833°N 95.36333°W / 45.86833; -95.36333
Translators 100.3 K262AT (Alexandria)
105.7 K289CL (Glenwood)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen live
Website voiceofalexandria.com/kxra

KXRA is a news/talk on 1490 AM and translator channels K262AT at 100.3 FM in Alexandria, Minnesota and K289CL at 105.7 FM in Glenwood, Minnesota owned by Leighton Broadcasting, which also owns KXRZ and KXRA-FM.

Contents

History

KXRA was founded on July 27, 1949, by the Alexandria Broadcasting Corporation. The station's original leadership included founders Everette Q. Walters and R.C. Brown. [3] For nearly 40 years, it operated under this local ownership before being purchased by Paradis Broadcasting in 1988. [4] The Paradis family, led by General Manager Brett Paradis, operated the station for 31 years, during which time they expanded the company's holdings to include FM sister stations KXRA-FM and KXRZ. In February 2020, the station was acquired by Leighton Broadcasting for $3.4 million. [5] [6] [7] [8]

The station is known for its long-running local programs, including Open Line, a community forum, and Swap Shop. The station operates under the branding "Voice of Alexandria." [9] KXRA also serves as the flagship station for Alexandria Area High School athletics, branding itself as the "Voice of the Cardinals" for football, basketball, and hockey coverage.

References

  1. ↑ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1999 (PDF). 1999. p. D-231. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KXRA". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ↑ "Obituary for Hazel Walters". Anderson Funeral Home. September 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2025. Everette was a founding partner of Radio Station KXRA
  4. ↑ "Mel Paradis: Hall of Fame Inductee". Pavek Museum. Pavek Museum of Broadcasting. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  5. ↑ "1964 Broadcasting Yearbook" (PDF). Washington, D.C.: Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1964. p. B-80. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  6. ↑ 1951 Radio Annual (PDF). New York: Radio Daily Corp. 1951. p. 483. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  7. ↑ Venta, Lance (September 23, 2019). "Leighton Enterprises Expands Into Alexandria MN". RadioInsight. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  8. ↑ Ellis, Jon (September 24, 2019). "Leighton Expands to Alexandria". Upper Midwest Broadcasting. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  9. ↑ "KXRA Schedule". Voice of Alexandria. Leighton Broadcasting. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
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