Small-town radio

In an age dominated by streaming platforms and digital news outlets, small-town radio stations continue to serve as essential pillars of community life. Far from fading into irrelevance, these stations provide local news, emergency alerts, and a sense of connection that larger media outlets often cannot match.

In Atlanta our radio station carries personalities larger than life.

From sports coverage of our local high schools, to events and the infamous Trading Post, our small-town radio continues to make waves.

A shutdown just a couple of years ago threatened to take the voices that filled the airwaves away, but a heartfelt plan of action was drawn up and the melodious voice of Jim Davenport can still be heard.

For many residents, tuning in to a familiar local voice during a crisis offers both reassurance and practical updates that national outlets overlook.

Radio also helps preserve the cultural identity of small towns. From showcasing local musicians to broadcasting high school sports, stations amplify community pride. Many residents tune in not just for news, but for a shared experience that reinforces their sense of belonging.

Local radio’s greatest strength lies in its accessibility. While smartphones and broadband internet are widespread, rural areas often lack reliable digital infrastructure. A battery-powered radio can still deliver critical information during storms, power outages, or natural disasters.

Our radio station has a rich history that should not be forgotten.

David Wommack, who was a licensed engineer, founded the radio station in Atlanta with a couple of partners but by 1974 Wommack became the sole owner of the firm.

The station was first licensed in 1950, as KALT, to the Ark-La-Tex Broadcasting Company, operating with 1,000 watts on 900 kHz, daytime only.

It later expanded its band assignment on March 17, 1997, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that 88 stations had been given permission to move to newly available “Expanded Band” transmitting frequencies, from 1610 to 1700 kHz. KALT was the only station in the United States authorized for 1610 kHz. This new assignment inherited the KALT call sign, with the original KALT changing to KPYN on June 30, 2000.

After the shutdown in 2023 Jim Davenport and Randy Smith announced a joint venture for an internet radio station they hoped would bridge the gap left by the radio station.

Things eventually worked out for all involved and KALT was reborn from the ashes with programming such as the “The Trading Post”, local church programs, local sports and Christian music. KALT broadcasts on 900 AM, 95.5 FM and 103.9 FM.

Even in the digital age, the personal touch of smalltown radio remains unmatched. Listeners often know the hosts personally, creating a trust and loyalty that larger outlets struggle to replicate. Morning shows featuring local personalities or call-in programs where neighbors share announcements continue to foster a sense of closeness in ways that algorithms and apps cannot.

As technology advances, the importance of local voices endures. Small-town radio stations remain more than just broadcasters — they are lifelines, cultural anchors, and trusted companions.

I used to read how the newspaper and radio worked together for the good of the community and I’m here to say we will again.

In moments of celebration or crisis, radio stations remind residents that community still matters.