George Leroy James was a Colorado Springs broadcaster, station owner and civic figure associated with KPIK 1580 and KPIK-FM.
A Colorado Springs native, James became interested in radio as a teenager and spent time around KPIK before entering the business himself. He eventually served as station manager and became involved in ownership through Area Broadcasting. Contemporary accounts note that he was elected to the Colorado Springs City Council in 1977. When the KPIK AM and FM properties were separated in 1978, Area Broadcasting acquired the AM station while the FM became KILO.
James died January 11, 2021, at age 78.
Southern Colorado stations: KPIK, KPIK-FM.
Sources: George Leroy James obituary, The Gazette (2021); FCC station history; Broadcasting Yearbook; published histories of KILO and KFCS.
Stations They Worked At
FROM THE TIMELINE
Career Moments
KPIK/KPIK-FM 1969 country operation and personnel
KPIK 1580 remained a 5 kW daytime country station under Western Broadcasting, with KPIK-FM 94.3 duplicating the AM about 67 percent of the time. Period listings identify Donald L. Drennan as general manager, Norm Tester as program director, Jack Bouchie as music director and George James as assistant manager/chief engineer.
George James elected to Colorado Springs City Council
KPIK station manager George James was elected to the Colorado Springs City Council while continuing his broadcasting career.
FCC approves $302,074 sale of KILO
The FCC granted assignment of KILO 93.9 from Western Broadcasting to KILO Broadcasting for $302,074. Trade reporting identified Robert D. Telmosse as 51-percent owner and James L. Pinkston as 49-percent owner. KPIK AM was sold separately, with George James becoming its owner.
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