The 1280 AM lineage began May 16, 1948 as KTLN on 990 kHz. KTLN was owned by Alfred M. Landon, former Kansas governor and 1936 Republican presidential nominee. It moved to 1150 AM in 1951 and then to 1280 in 1954.
KTLN became a significant Denver personality and Top 40 station and later experimented with news/talk. On July 1, 1969 the call letters changed to KTLK, which mixed Top 40 music with youth-oriented telephone discussion before evolving toward a more conventional music format.
The frequency later became country KBRQ in 1981 and subsequently used KXKL, KRRF, KEXX and KVOD before becoming KBNO/Que Bueno.
Lineage: KTLN → KTLK → KBRQ → KXKL/KRRF/KEXX → KVOD → KBNO.
Sources: 1280 AM history; KTLN historical archive; Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado — Denver Radio.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KTLK-AM History
Seven Denver stations consolidate into a new Tech Center complex
Jacor began planning a consolidated Denver Tech Center facility in October 1998 for KOA, KHOW, KTLK, KHIH, KRFX, KBPI and KTCL. The old studio lease expired in September 1999, creating a firm construction deadline. During the project, Clear Channel acquired Jacor.
KVOD classical moves from 92.5 FM to 1280 AM
On May 21, 1999, the commercial KVOD classical format left 92.5 FM and moved to Denver’s 1280 AM facility. The 92.5 station became KDJM with a Jammin’ Oldies format, while 1280 adopted the KVOD calls and continued classical programming.
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