KBNO-AM

KBNO 1280 is “Que Bueno,” Denver’s regional Mexican station, and the latest name on one of the city’s busiest AM frequencies. The station signed on May 16, 1948, as KTLN on 990, owned by former Kansas governor and 1936 presidential candidate Alf Landon. It moved to 1150 in 1951 and to 1280 in 1954.

On July 1, 1969, it became KTLK, “K-Talk,” mixing youth-oriented phone talk with Top 40, then went disco in the late ’70s. In 1981 it turned country as KBRQ, simulcasting its FM sister until August 1, 1996, when it became the talk station “Ralph 1280.” In 1999 it briefly simulcast KXKL-FM, then became Denver’s classical KVOD.

In September 2000, Zee Ferrufino’s Latino Communications bought the station from Clear Channel for $3.3 million to launch regional Mexican as KBNO. Colorado Public Radio picked up the KVOD name and classical format, which moved to 90.1 FM in March 2001.

Station information

• Frequency: 1280 kHz (990 in 1948, 1150 from 1951, 1280 from 1954).
• City of license: Denver.
• Signed on: May 16, 1948.
• Branding: Que Bueno 1280 AM y 97.7 FM.
• Call history: KTLN (1948–1969), KTLK (1969–1981), KBRQ (1981–1987), KXKL (1987–1996), KRRF (1996–1999), KEXX and KXKL (1999), KVOD (1999–2001), KBNO (2001–present).
• Owner: Latino Communications, LLC.
• FCC facility ID: 59956.

References

• KBNO (AM), Wikipedia.