Radio Station KBOA celebrated its first birthday yesterday following the completion of the first year of operation. Program Director Ray Van said that no celebration had been planned because of the limited amount of space in the station.

Owners and staff of the station, however, are happy with the progress during the first year. Following the opening on July 19, 1947, KBOA-FM went on the air on April 29, 1948, and last month construction was begun on the new home of KBOA and KBOA-FM.

The new station is expected to be completed this fall and at that time the power of KBOA-FM will be increased to 6,500 watts. In addition to the studios and offices, the new building will house all of KBOA’s modern radio equipment.

Program Director Van said that KBOA has done all in its power to promote the area it serves. It has given much of its time for public service and has brought local talent before the public.

KBOA started operation with a six-member staff. Today it employs 13 announcers, technicians and commercial writers. The staff includes: Ray Van, program director, Phil Reed, commercial writer, Joe Bankhead, advertising salesman, Bob Connor, chief engineer, Robert Gilliand and James Ross, assistant engineers; Johnny Mack, announcer and assistant engineer, Rudy Pylant and Red Cantrell, announcers; Charles Harrison, KBOA-FM, program director and announcer; Bernice Davis and Barbara Blakemore, secretaries; Marcelyn Lester, music librarian.

Source: The Twice-A-Week Dunklin Democrat, July 20, 1948