KMAJ (AM)

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KMAJ
KMAJ (AM) logo.png
CityTopeka, Kansas
Broadcast areaTopeka and Vicinity
Frequency1440 kHz
BrandingThe Big Talker 1440 KMAJ
Programming
FormatNews/Talk/Sports
AffiliationsWestwood One
Ownership
OwnerCumulus Media
(Cumulus Licensing LLC)
Sister stations
History
First air date
July 1947 (as KJAY)[1]
Former call signs
  • KJAY (1947–1962)
  • KEWI (1962–1980)
  • KSKX (1980–1986)
  • KEWI (1986–1990)
Call sign meaning
from its sister station KMAJ-FM
Technical information
Facility ID42014
ClassB
Power
  • 5,000 watts day
  • 1,000 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
39°01′17″N 95°34′15″W / 39.02139°N 95.57083°W / 39.02139; -95.57083Coordinates: 39°01′17″N 95°34′15″W / 39.02139°N 95.57083°W / 39.02139; -95.57083
Links
WebcastListen live
WebsiteOfficial website

KMAJ (The Big Talker) is a radio station in Topeka, Kansas, broadcasting on 1440 kHz AM. KMAJ is a news/talk station owned by Cumulus Media.

History[]

KMAJ signed on the air in July 1947 as KJAY, featuring a blend of middle-of-the-road (MOR) music and news. In March 1962 Fred Reynolds, dba Midland Broadcasters, Inc., acquired KJAY. He immediately changed the call letters to KEWI and the format to Top-40, bringing in some of Gordon McLendon's "Raiders" (high-energy DJs) to make a big splash on "Big KeeWee". By the late 1960s these "KeeWee Good Guys" had made KEWI the city's top-rated station. The weekly Top 20+20 Tunedex survey evolved into a Fab 40 Tunedex to go with the British Invasion and then to a Top 14+40 Tunedex to match its dial position at 1440 kHz. By September 1980, the station had changed format to country music and was using the slogan "Kix Country" with the call letters KSKX. Then, to capitalize on the popularity of the "Retro" craze, the KEWI call letters came back in November 1986. By 1990 contemporary music had moved to the FM dial and AM was talk-oriented. So KEWI changed call letters to KMAJ (Magic) along with its sister FM. Cumulus bought the station from Midland Broadcasters in February 1999 and began simulcasting syndicated talk shows and programming with KMBZ radio in Kansas City.

Programming[]

Beginning with the 2014–15 season, KWIC, along with KMAJ (AM) (1440), will be home to the Kansas Jayhawks football and basketball (men/women's) teams.[2] Previously, the games had been aired on WIBW (AM) (580).[2]

In addition, KMAJ also carries local high school basketball and football games.

See also[]

  • KMAJ-FM

References[]

  1. ^ KMAJ (AM) History
  2. ^ a b KWIC and KMAJ AM pick up rights to the KU football and basketball games

External links[]


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