Kansas Radio: Country KGBK Relocates To 98.9 FM

The Golden Belt’s Real Country KGBK in Learned, Kansas has upgraded it signal.

Ad Astra Radio has relocated KGBK from 96.7 to 98.9 FM, implementing an upgrade project that has been more than two decades in the making. Along with the new frequency, KGBK has increased wattage from 3,000 to 16,500 watts and moved the transmitter from its long-time site south of Larned to a new, taller tower northwest of Pawnee Rock.

KGBK, originally KANS-FM, began broadcasting on 96.7 FM on November 1, 1965. Starting with just 910 watts of power, it was increased to the maximum 3,000 watts then allowed for the frequency in the mid 1980’s. Its coverage was further limited due to a station in McPherson operating on the same frequency, which is now KGBK sister station KMPK.

Ad Astra Radio owner Chris Shank said, “From the time last year first starting researching whether to pursue 96.7, we knew that if we acquired the two Larned stations, we wanted to invest in stations to increase their power and reach. 96.7 reached 6,209 people within it’s 60 dBu (the FCC designated primary coverage area). With our move to the Pawnee Rock tower site, increase in tower height and transmitter power, there’s now 33,707 people within 98.9’s 60 dBu. While the 96.7 frequency was pretty much confined to Pawnee County, Real Country 98.9 KGBK’s signal now covers Pawnee, Stafford, Barton, Rush, Edwards Counties and beyond.”

Shank also said they bought this station along with 1510 KLQR back in October, ordered and paid for the equipment in December, took over operations of them in April and are now getting the upgrade in place.

“Improving radio stations take time and resources and we’re grateful to finally get everything put together,” Shank said.

KGBK 98.9 FM (16.5 Kw)

With the change and power increase, KGBK’s overall broadcast range will increase from approximately 25 miles to around 45 miles, further in some directions depending on terrain factors.

With the addition of Real Country 98.9 KGBK and others, Ad Astra Radio is now the largest family owned and operated radio company in Kansas and the third largest radio company in Kansas. 98.9 KGBK is available on the radio, adastraradio.com, the free Ad Astra Radio App and on smart speakers through the IHeart Media App.