KMYR made its formal Denver debut on April 27, 1941 after five days of actual operation. The station had been granted by the FCC in November 1939 to F. W. Meyer, a former KLZ manager, but appeals by two existing Denver stations delayed construction.
At launch KMYR operated on 1340 AM with 250 watts daytime and 100 watts at night. A contemporary Broadcasting magazine report said Meyer served as both owner and manager. Colorado governor Ralph Carr and Denver mayor Benjamin Stapleton participated in the three-hour dedication broadcast. KMYR promoted news every hour and was reported as the first Denver station to secure use of both ASCAP and BMI music copyrights.
By 1950 KMYR Broadcasting Company operated from 1425 Stout Street, with F. W. Meyer as president and A. G. Meyer as general manager. In 1956 the KMYR operation increased power and moved to 710 AM. Gene Amole and Ed Koepke then took over the vacated 1340 facility and launched KDEN.
The 710 lineage later became KBTR and eventually KNUS, while the 1340 lineage continued separately through KDEN and later call signs.
Sources: Broadcasting, May 5, 1941; 1950 Broadcasting Yearbook; Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado — Denver Radio; Denver Public Library Colorado Chronology.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KMYR-AM History
KMYR moves from 1340 to 710 AM
In April 1956, KMYR moved from its original 1340 kHz frequency to 710 kHz. The frequency move split what later became two distinct Denver station lineages: the former KMYR operation continued on 710, while 1340 became home to KDEN.
People Who Worked Here
KEEP EXPLORING
Go further down the dial
HELP IMPROVE THE ARCHIVE
See something that needs a correction?
Suggest a correction or add information to this station. Nothing changes publicly until it is reviewed.