| |
Broadcast area | Lafayette metropolitan area |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 105.3 MHz |
| Branding | K-105 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Country |
| Affiliations | Westwood One |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| Technical information1 | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| 71064 | |
| Class | B |
| ERP | 50,000 watts |
| HAAT | 146 meters (479 ft) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen live |
| Website | wkoa |
WKOA (105.3 FM), known as "K 105", is a radio station in Lafayette, Indiana, United States.2 Owned by Saga Communications, the studios are located at 3575 McCarty Lane in Lafayette with its transmitter tower at the same location.
History
WKOA signed on the air as WASK-FM in 1964 featuring a Beautiful music or easy listening format. In the mid-1970s, FM radio was growing in popularity and FM stations across the country which were up to this point more of a novelty band was now being embraced for its clarity and ability to broadcast a stereo sound. WLFQ (103.9) in Crawfordsville signed-on with a country format in June 1974, directing its programming to Lafayette. WASK-FM decided to make the change to country in September 1974. It became known as "Indiana Country FM 105" utilizing Bill Robinson's "Music Works" automated radio programming service.
WASK-FM began using the slogan "K 105" in the summer of 1983 shortly after being acquired by Duchossois Communications. It retained its country music format and gradually transitioned to completely live/local programming over the next two years.
Former air personalities on K 105 include Ellen K., later known for her work with Rick Dees on KIIS Los Angeles, and Dean McNeil who became the program director of US-99 (WUSN) Chicago.
In 1994, as a result of a pending move to place a news/talk simulcast on 1450 WASK and WASK Incorporated's newly acquired WIIZ (98.7), K 105 changed call letters to WKOA. The station first achieved its #1 ranking in the fall of 1989 and has consistently ranked #1 since, according to Lafayette's Arbitron ratings.
In 2006, the station, along with sister station WASK-AM/FM, shut down its long-standing news department. On March 17, 2008, K105 and sister station WASK 98.7 formed a partnership with WLFI TV 18 to provide news content. In early April 2010, K105 started streaming online at [1].
Schurz Communications announced on September 14, 2015, that it would exit broadcasting and sell its television and radio stations, including WKOA, to Gray Television for $442.5 million.34 Though Gray initially intended to keep Schurz' radio stations, on November 2, it announced that Neuhoff Communications would acquire WKOA and Schurz' other Lafayette radio stations for $8 million.567
On February 13, 2024, Neuhoff Communications sold its Lafayette radio cluster to Saga Communications for $5.3 million.8
Programming
WKOA features contemporary country music with 80s and 90s flashbacks. The station also features live and local DJs 24 hours a day with the exception of weekend specialty programming. K 105 also features NASCAR Nextel Cup racing.
WKOA's programming is led by Operations Manager Mike Shamus.
Not live and local. Shawn Parr's Across America (Syndicated) from 7p-Midnight weekdays. No air talent from midnight to 5am.
References
References
- "Facility Technical Data for WKOA". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- FM Query Results - Audio Division (FCC) USA
- "Schurz Communications to sell WSBT and other TV, radio stations". South Bend Tribune. September 14, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
- Kuperberg, Jonathan (September 14, 2015). "Gray Acquiring TV, Radio Stations from Schurz for $442.5 Million". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
- "Gray Sells Radio Stations From Schurz Deal". TVNewsCheck. November 2, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- Venta, Lance (November 2, 2015). "Gray Television Divests Schurz Clusters To Three Buyers". RadioInsight. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Neuhoff Picks Up Five More Stations". Radio Ink. November 1, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- Venta, Lance (February 13, 2024). "Saga Acquires Neuhoff Media Lafayette IN". RadioInsight. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
External links
External links
- Official website
- Facility details for Facility ID 71064 (WKOA) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- WKOA in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
40°24′07″N 86°51′00″W / 40.402°N 86.850°W / 40.402; -86.850