Call Letter Changes
As Walnut Radio seeks to acquire SummitMedia’s Silent 590 KXSP Omaha, the company has applied for a waiver to place the heritage WOW call letters back on the frequency.
After signing on in 1922 as WOAW, KXSP was WOW from December 1926 until November 1999 when it flipped to Adult Standards “Magic 590” KOMJ. The station flipped to Sports with the KXSP calls launched in April 2025. In its waiver request, Walnut Radio says, “In 1999, a well-meaning, but misguided program director changed the call letters to KXSP to reposition the station. This short-sighted decision has haunted the station ever since and likely contributed to its ultimate closure earlier this year.”
The request places the move as being in the public interest “by advancing the Commission’s efforts to preserve and revitalize the AM band.” It further ties it into AM revitalization by saying “two current Walnut Media employees were part of WOW’s broadcast team more than 40 years ago, providing a direct and living connection to its storied past. Walnut Media itself maintains deep roots in the Omaha community, with a longstanding commitment to local service, community engagement, and quality programming. Restoring the WOW call sign would do more than honor history—it would actively contribute to the future of AM radio. The recognition and nostalgia associated with WOW would help re-engage listeners, strengthen community identity, and draw renewed attention to the value of local broadcasting. Walnut Radio intends to pair that heritage with a modern, compelling format focused on news, sports, information, and entertainment that serves the heartland with relevance and integrity.”
102.7 WKWY Tompkinsville KY -> WTKY-FM (effective 5/12)
1700 KKLF Richardson TX -> KTNO (effective 6/1)
Silent Notifications
- Emerald Wave Media’s 1600 KTAP Santa Maria CA (Will go silent 5/17 to pursue sale)
- Newberry Broadcasting’s 92.1 WWZG Tompkinsville KY (Loss of electrical service at tower site)
- Westend Radio’s 1360 KOHU Hermiston OR (Financial issues)
- Westend Radio’s 93.7 KQFM Hermiston OR (Financial issues)
- Salem Media’s 860 KDZR Troutdale OR (Loss of transmitter site)
- Nicwild Communications’ 97.9 WIIZ Blackville SC (Financial duress; exploring sale)
- Cantico Nuevo Ministry’s 103.3 KDFM Falfurrias TX (Tower issue)
