KADA Cool 99.3 FM

The original KADA-AM signed on the air in 1934 by community leader and Pastor of the First Baptist Church, C.C. Morris. At the time it was on 1200AM and was only 100 watts. The station originated from the church and was put on the air primarily to broadcast the sermons of the church. As a result, the station was on the air only a few hours a day. In the late 30’s, the station moved to it’s present location at 1019 North Broadway. At that time there were few recorded or taped programs, so most of the on-air content was totally live in-studio performances.

Throughout the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, the station aired a variety of content, from musical performances to “talk-shows.” The station soon was able to increase it’s power to 1000 watts, but had to back the power down to 250 watts at sunset. A myriad of personalities came through the door as employees, including CBS news anchor Douglas Edwards, sports personality John Brooks just to name a few. Many, many people in the industry today got their start at “the mighty 1230.” Starting in the 60’s with the advent of “pop” music, the station started airing more and more music programming, but always a true variety. In the early morning, country music was programmed, followed by “soft rock” or “MOR” during the day. Usually after 7pm at night, you might hear everything from Andy Williams to The Beatles. Such was the nature of AM radio in those days. The station was also the only station in town, so many musical needs had to be met.

In 1982, KADA had competition from two other FM stations, so the station changed from it’s “variety” format to an all-country format. The “big-fella” Buddy Kessinger worked the morning show and specialized in older, more traditional country music. Then starting at 9am, the station played more of a mainstream country format. The recent popularity of the movie Urban Cowboy played a big part in the stations popularity.

In 1988 KADA was still an AM only station, competing against two other FM stations. KADA seriously needed an FM signal, so one of the new FM’s in the market was purchased, at the time on 96.7FM. The station was switched to a country music format, moved into the same building as KADA-AM on North Broadway and the two stations began “simulcasting.” (airing the same content on both 1230am and 96.7FM)

In 1996 the owners of the station had an offer to sell the properties to the Chickasaw Nation. The Nation began a process of re-modeling the facility and other improvements including the spinning off the 1230AM signal to an all sports-talk format. Then in February of 2005, the Tribe purchased competitor KYKC, a 50,000 watt country music station. The building was re-modeled to accommodate the additional station and now the Ada Radio Broadcast Group boasts two FM stations and one AM station, all operating under one roof.

KADA RADIO STATION

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE RECRUITING PROGRAM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

KADA RADIO STATION

DISTINGISHED SERVICE BEHALF OF DISABLED AMERICAN VERTANS

KADA RADIO STATION

APPRECIATION CONTINUED SUPPORT EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

KADA RADIO STATION

APPRECIATION THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THEIR COMMUNITIES

BLOOD NEEDS

SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA BLOOD INSTITUTES

1989

KADA RADIO STATION

FAITHFUL FRIEND, SHELTER AND RARE TREASURE

FRIENDS AWARD

1994

KADA RADIO STATION

APPRECIATION THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THEIR COMMUNITIES

BLOOD NEEDS

SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA BLOOD INSTITUTES

1991

KADA RADIO STATION

APPRECIATION STONEWALL SENIOR CLASS

1985-86

KADA RADIO STATION

IPRA RODEO HELPING MAKE OUR RODEO A SUCCESS

JUNE 4 5 6, 1987

KADA RADIO STATION

RECOGNITION OF YOUR DEDICATION OF GOSPEL MUSIC

KADA RADIO STATION

SPIRIT CHRISTMAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

2ND PLACE

1994

KADA RADIO STATION

SUPPORT OF ARMY RESERVE RECRUTING THROUGH PUBLIC SERVICE

BROADCASTING

KADA RADIO STATION

PARTICIPATION IN A COUNTRY CARES

ST. JUDES CHILDRENS RESEARCH HOSPITAL

KADA RADIO STATION

HUMAN SERVICES

COMMUNITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

APRIL 1, 2003

APRIL 2, 2005

MARCH 17, 2007

KADA RADIO STATION

APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF GOSPEL MUSIC

OKLAHOMA ALL-NIGHT SINGING ASSOCIATIONS

KADA RADIO STATION

BEST JUNE DAIRY MONTH IN OKLAHOMA 2001

KADA RADIO STATION

BEST GENERAL REPORTING

OKLAHOMA ASSOCIATES PRESS BROADCASTERS

APRIL 1, 1991

KADA RADIO STATION

BEST ACTUALLY NATURAL SOUND

OKLAHOMA ASSOCIATES PRESS BROADCASTERS 1992

KADA RADIOS TATION

BEST SPORT NEWS

1992

KADA RADIO STATION

BEST NEWSCAST

1991 & 1988

KYKC RADIO STATION

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE

PONTOTC COUNTY

YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

2007

KYKC RADIO STATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

RECOGNIZING OKLAHOMA BROADCASTERS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNTIES

1991

KYKC RADIO STATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

RECOGNIZING OKLAHOMA BROADCASTERS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNTIES

2003

KYKC RADIO STATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

RECOGNIZING OKLAHOMA BROADCASTERS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNTIES

2002

KADA RADIO STATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

RECOGNIZING OKLAHOMA BROADCASTERS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNTIES

2005

KADA RADIO STATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

RECOGNIZING OKLAHOMA BROADCASTERS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNTIES

1998

KADA RADION STATION