KBOW AM 550

A radio station licensed to serve Butte, Montana, broadcasting on 550 kHz AM. The station is owned and operated by Butte Broadcasting, Inc. and airs a country music format. Main offices and studios are located at 660 Dewey in Butte, with the transmitter sited southwest of town on Beef Trail Road. KBOW began broadcasting on February 14, 1947, initially operating on 1490 kHz. In 1962, the station was purchased by Richard "Shag" Miller, a prominent local figure whose ownership spanned the next 32 years. Miller acquired the assets of KOPR-AM in 1964, which led to the station's migration to its current frequency of 550 kHz. During Miller's tenure, the station became nationally recognized for a notable broadcasting achievement in 1974: it secured the exclusive live broadcast rights for Evel Knievel's attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon, scooping major national and international media outlets. The station also originated the "I'm from Butte, America" branding campaign. After Miller ordered an initial print run of 5,000 bumper stickers bearing the slogan, demand proved overwhelming, and the phrase became a lasting symbol of local civic identity. In 1994, the station was acquired by Ron and Shelly Davis, operating under the corporate name Butte Broadcasting Inc. Ron Davis had previously served the station as program director and assistant general manager before assuming ownership. The station has maintained a tradition of local ownership throughout its history. Regular programming includes a nightly show and a weekday Partyline segment airing at 1:00 PM.