City Storm Lake, Iowa Slogan Know All Your Lyrics First air date 1949 | Branding Mix 101.7 Frequency 101.7 (mHz) Format Hot AC | |
KAYL-FM (101.7 FM) is a radio station licensed to serve the community of Storm Lake, Iowa. KAYL-FM is owned by Sorenson Broadcasting Corporation and transferred to Community First Broadcasting.
KAYL-FM began broadcasting on 101.5 MHz in 1949 and was owned by Cornbelt Broadcasting Company with the original shareholders of Oscar Grau, Joe Kavane, Paul Dlugosch, Dr. R.E. Malliard and Z.Z. White.
KAYL-FM upgraded the FM transmitter and began broadcasting in stereo in June 1979. The frequency change to 101.7 MHz occurred in September, 1995.
The broadcast tower, located east of Storm Lake, collapsed on August 8, 1969 during a severe storm. The station was back on the air with a temporary antenna within about 6½ hours.
In November 1997, KBVU (Buena Vista University) started broadcasting from the KAYL tower. KAYL-FM became the property of NRG Media in 2005, along with its sister AM station, KAYL and sister FM station, KKIA. The KAYL/KKIA studios are located at 606½ Lake Avenue in downtown Storm Lake, where they have been in the same location since 1948.
KAYL-FM had an easy listening format until 1987, when it changed to an adult contemporary format "Lite Gold." In 1990, the station was purchased by Hedberg Broadcasting, and became "Iowa's Best FM--KAYL" with a hotter AC format. The station is an ABC and Radio Iowa affiliate, with Paul Harvey three times a day, an extensive schedule of local information, and local sports coverage.