#WELL-SPOKEN
A Century of News, Ag, Talk and Sports with KFEQ
February 16, 2023
DEFINITION: talking in an educated and refined manner.
In February, more than a century ago, one of our city’s longest-running storytellers was born.
KFEQ, established by the Department of Commerce on Feb. 16, 1923, took to the radio air that same week with an afternoon broadcast to kick off its decades of service, news, talk and community to the St. Joseph region.
In fact, KFEQ has been a presence for so long that its 200-watt transmitter predates even the creation of the Federal Communications Commission.
It’s a name that’s come to mean talk, sports and news, as well as the farm reports, with trusted honesty and consistency. Founder John Scroggin isn’t one of St. Joseph’s own, but was an engineering student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. When a case of the measles meant he had to return home to Oak, Neb., Scroggin started having some creative fun with this new platform they called radio. The broadcasts Scroggin shared were part of a homemade ham radio, and later his home, where he featured ag, news and music.
Three years after its founding, a few St. Joseph area legendary businesses – namely, the St. Joseph Grain Exchange and the St. Joseph Livestock Exchange, working with the St. Joseph Booster Club, talked Scroggin into planting that station here in St. Joseph.
The rest, as they say, is history. But it’s also the future.
Fast forward several decades and several hundred watts. KFEQ operates today with a 5,000 watt directional antennae at 680 AM that serves not only listeners in St. Joseph, but across northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The show lineup features well-known names: Red Eye Radio, America in the Morning, Dave Ramsey, Agriculture of America and the Midday Farm Report. From the KFEQ website, listeners can tune in live all day long, and enjoy access to weather, contests and community happenings that would have put Mr. Scroggin in a complete information tizzy.
KFEQ has served as the voice of so many core stories of our region, ranging from Missouri Western State University, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. The KFEQ Hotline, with Barry Birr as the show’s host, has remained a popular part of the programming, too.
It’s about communication. It’s about the magic of radio. It’s about history and dedication. But mostly, it’s about community. Thank you for a century of service, KFEQ, and all you uncommon characters who tune in daily.
#PASSIONATE
Forget anything stuffy you might think about symphony or orchestra performances, and consider a symphony experience St. Joseph-style.
#FRIENDLY
Across the city, every day, adults are helping clear a path for youth to reach more opportunities. They are sharing their mentoring skills, life lessons and ultimately, their friendship, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. And it looks like hanging out at the local burger joint. Taking a walk. Joining other “matches” at the park for crafting with a lot of laughs.
#Exuberant
It’s not paintball. It’s not even a water balloon fight. It’s foam warfare, and there’s a good chance you’ll want to join the fun.
#CURIOUS
All you curious, brave, intrigued or surprise-seeking persons, preferably who have young people in your care: Check out Super Science Saturday for an uncommon learning experience. You can always settle your hair down on Monday.
#INTEGRITY
For decades, families across America invited Walter Cronkite into their living rooms every evening, trusting he would bring national and world events into focus. With his deep voice and warm demeanor, Walter Cronkite delivered the news of the day — good and bad — with unfaltering dignity and integrity.