KFRM 550 AM

A commercial AM radio station broadcasting at 550 kHz, formally licensed to Salina, Kansas, with studios and offices located in Clay Center. Owned by Taylor Communications, Inc., the station operates at 5,000 watts daytime using a directional antenna oriented toward the southwest, providing strong coverage across central Kansas including Wichita, with a usable signal reaching as far as Oklahoma City. After sunset the station reduces power to 110 watts to avoid interference with other broadcasters on the same frequency, limiting its nighttime reach to communities in and around Salina. The transmitter is located off U.S. Route 81 in Concordia. Weekday programming centers on agricultural news, farm markets, and information services relevant to farming communities across the region. Evenings and weekends feature classic country music. The station is a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. KFRM was founded by Arthur B. Church, president of Midland Broadcasting Company and founder of KMBC radio. The FCC issued a construction permit on August 19, 1946, for a 5,000-watt facility in Cloud County, Kansas, intended to extend KMBC programming into central and western Kansas. At its founding, the station maintained a fully staffed farm news department supported by an 800-acre operational farm, a multi-reporter news operation, a home economics department, and a full complement of sports coverage. The station's staff, including 30 full-time musicians and vocalists, at times reached 130 employees. Low dial placement at 550 kHz contributes to its broad daytime coverage footprint across the central plains.