Boulder’s 97.3 FM facility signed on October 1, 1955 as KRNW. The station was owned by Robert Wilkinson and initially operated at 2,000 watts from studios at 1305 Spruce Street in downtown Boulder.
Bob and Diane Greenlee, who had purchased KADE 1190 in 1975, later acquired KRNW. The FM facility’s Class C potential made it the vehicle for the Greenlees’ larger album-oriented concept. Dennis Constantine joined the operation while the purchase awaited FCC approval and worked with the KADE staff on the new programming approach.
On June 2, 1977 at noon, the station became KBCO. The original KBCO transmitter operated from Lee Hill before later technical improvements expanded the signal dramatically across the Denver-Boulder market.
Sources: Colorado Music Hall of Fame — KBCO; Dennis Constantine — The Story Behind KBCO’s Beginnings; KBCO facility chronology and FCC references.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KRNW-FM History
KRNW 97.3 adopts freeform rock in Boulder
In January 1970, Boulder station KRNW 97.3 adopted a freeform rock approach. The 97.3 facility would later become KBCO, carrying forward Boulder's role in the development of progressive and adult-alternative radio.
KBCO launches from Boulder
KBCO began broadcasting from Boulder on June 2, 1977 at noon after Bob and Diane Greenlee acquired KRNW 97.3. Program director Dennis Constantine helped build the new Colorado-oriented album format after working at KADE while the FM purchase awaited approval.
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