KQWC Celebrates 75 Years of Local Broadcasting
This year marks the 75th anniversary of KQWC, Webster City's beloved local radio station. Originally launched in 1950 as KJFJ, the station was first owned by the Daily Freeman-Journal. The founders built the station as a house, knowing that radio broadcasting was a risky venture—just in case they needed to repurpose the building into a home.
Current owners Danette and Kirk Graeve purchased the station in 2019, committed to preserving its legacy and ensuring it continues to serve the community. KQWC operates around the clock, providing local news, sports coverage, and current events. A recent enhancement includes switching to the 99.1 FM frequency to expand the station’s reach.
Danette Grave, KQWC owner, reflects on the station's role in the community:
"Local radio is very important because you can't get your local news or sports anywhere else."
In addition to traditional programming, KQWC offers podcasts and recently launched a new partnership with the City of Webster City. This collaboration brings a recap of City Council meetings to the airwaves on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8:30 AM, following the Monday evening meetings. The recaps are also available on KQWC’s website.
Adding to its commitment to local history, the station recently donated scrapbooks detailing its rich past to Wilson Brewer Park, ensuring that generations to come can appreciate KQWC’s impact on Webster City.
Pat Powers, a dedicated voice of the station for 47 years, summed up the station's deep connection with the community, saying:
"I'm glad to be here with you each and every day as long as I can. I thank you for your support."
Happy 75th Anniversary, KQWC! Here's to many more years of keeping Webster City informed and connected.
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