KWPM
Ozark Regional Newstalk Radio is truly “The Voice of the Ozarks”. Comprised of two long-time AM stations, KWPM in West Plains, which started serving the Ozarks in 1947 and KUKU in Willow Springs, which came on the air ten years later in 1957. Both stations have gone through their music stages and a few years ago went full time newstalk with an emphasis on information and programs that serve the Ozarks. Whether it’s the latest local news, weather, sports or markets information or The Rush Limbaugh Show or St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Ozark Regional Newstalk Radio is a 24 hour outlet of information and entertainment. And, oh by the way, St. Louis Cardinals baseball has been a big part of our history, too, with games being aired since 1950. No matter what your schedule may be, when you tune in to ORNT, you are assured of the latest and most accurate information as well as the “Best In Ozark Talk Radio”. This web page is an extension of our on-air information and programs and we hope you explore and utilize it to your heart’s desire. Thank you for stopping by and come again soon and OFTEN !
History in Brief
KWPM Signed on the air July 15th, 1947.Station founder Robert Neathery is widely acknowledged as a real pioneer in broadcasting in the Ozarks and, after signing KWPM on the air, later opened other stations including Thayer, Willow Springs, Branson, etc..Mr. Neathery was a charter member of the Missouri Broadcasters Association board of directors and has served in numerous other capacities both on a statewide and national broadcasters association levels. KWPM’s original broadcast day was “live” broadcasting including speakers and performers who came to the station and went “live” on the air with their music or information. KWPM was home to the early days of country music legend Porter Wagoner who did sort of a “singing” commercial for a butcher shop he worked for downtown. KWPM Is also known as one of the oldest St. Louis Cardinal baseball affiliates having carried Cards bb since the early 1950s. In the mid 1990’s the decision was made to pioneer another unique broadcast situation,combining the AM signals of KWPM, and KUKU in Willow Springs in a regional “simulcast” giving these AM outlets the coverage area of a small FM station serving south central Missouri and north central Arkansas. In addition, “Ozark Regional Newstalk Radio”—as the stations collectively are now known, moved away from the traditional country music format to talk radio where we now broadcast not only local talk programming but also syndicated programming as well.
KWPM is extremely proud of its 60 years of accomplishments and looks forward to the next 60 plus years of “serving the public” which is our network motto. The stations are still family owned as Mr. Neathery’s granddaughter, Shawn Marhefka and husband, Tom, now oversee the operations. As Mr. Neathery always encouraged we continue to be pioneers in the broadcast field as we explore the many options now available in this “internet age”. Our website is ozarknewstalk.com
