KKGM

KKGM (1630 AM) is a radio station, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, owned by Mortenson Broadcasting, operated by and pending sale to iHeartMedia.

KKGM
CityFort Worth, Texas
Broadcast areaDallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
Frequency1630 kHz
BrandingDallas' BIN
SloganBecause Truth Matters
Programming
Language(s)English
FormatBlack-oriented news
AffiliationsBlack Information Network
Ownership
OwnerMortenson Broadcasting
(Sale to iHeartMedia pending)
(Mortenson Broadcasting Co. of Texas, Inc.)
OperatoriHeartMedia
KDGE, KDMX, KEGL, KFXR, KHKS, KHVN, KZPS
History
First air date
1994 as KOEM
Former call signs
KOME (1994-1998)
KBCM (1998-2001)
KNAX (2001-2004)
Call sign meaning
Kingdom's Key to Southern Gospel Music (former format)
Technical information
ClassB
Power10,000 watts day
1,000 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
32°48′36″N 97°07′26″W
Translator(s)92.1 K221GV (Fort Worth)
Links
WebcastListen live (via iHeartRadio)
Websitedallas.binnews.com

Licensed to Fort Worth, Texas, the station broadcasts an African American targeted news format, as an affiliate of the National Black Information Network.

History

The station started out in 1994 as KOME, a simulcast of KHVN/970 kHz. It was intended to be the dial expansion position for KHVN, to become the new permanent home for that station in 2004, but Infinity/CBS Radio sold the frequency in 1998. Since Mortenson now owns both 970 and 1630, this move could feasibly still happen. The year the station was sold, it has switched its format to Spanish language music as KBCM. Three years later, the station changed its callsign to KNAX under a religious format in Spanish. The station had applied for license city move to Euless and for call letters "KHEV," but went with "KKGM" instead in 2004 with a Southern Gospel format.

KKGM then switched from a Southern Gospel format to an all-talk format, but later switched to (and currently broadcasts) a mix of Southern Gospel music along with featured talk.

On December 2, 2020, iHeartMedia announced that it's acquiring KKGM and sister station KHVN from Mortenson Broadcasting for $950,000; including its respective translators 92.1 K221GV and 95.3 K237HD. The deal includes a Local marketing agreement (LMA) that took effect from January 2, 2021 until full consummation. The purchase also allowed iHeartMedia to max out its DFW cluster threshold.[1] Later on December 24, it was announced that both stations will join the Black Information Network as affiliates on January 2, 2021, jettisoning the gospel formats.[2][3]

The staff of Mortenson Broadcasting and KKGM confirmed this programming change on the station's former website, saying "1630 KKGM has been here for you for over 15 years…Presenting the best Local and National Bible teachers and playing Southern Gospel music for the Metroplex. The Bible, in Ecclesiastes, says: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” and our season is coming to an end. 1630 KKGM will have new owners soon… and a new season for 1630 KKGM will start. Thank you for listening and supporting 1630 KKGM over the years. To our Pastors and Teachers we appreciate the honor of helping you spread the Gospel. On behalf of Jack Mortenson and the entire Mortenson Broadcasting Family, Thank you and God Bless!"[4]

After sending the gospel format "to heaven" on January 2, KKGM (erroneously identified at "KKMG" at top of the hour) and KHVN began stunting with African American speeches, interspersed with messages such as "Our Voices Will Be Heard" and "Our side of the story is about to be told," with the new format that officially launched on January 4 at 12:00 p.m. (Central). The new format will compete with Entercom’s heritage all-news station KDLD.

References
  1. iHeartMedia Acquires Two Dallas Area AMs - Radio Insight (published December 2, 2020)
  2. 2020 Post Christmas Format Change Watchlist - Radio Insight (published December 24, 2020)
  3. Dallas' BIN 1630 - Official Website
  4. [www.kkgmam.com KKGM website]


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