Celebrating 85 Years

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FM News101 KXL is celebrating 85 years of providing news and information to the Portland metro area through rain, sleet, snow and yes, volcanic ash!

Beginning in the early years of the twentieth century, KXL radio established itself as an important voice for the people of Oregon and SW Washington. It continues in that role today.

Harry Read was a young man in love with radio broadcasting. At 6:30 pm December 13, 1926 the founder of KXL radio put the station on the air for the very first time – booming over the airwaves with 50 watts of power. Ever since then, KXL has been broadcasting news and entertainment to the Northwest, capturing snapshots of history along the way.

Listen to FM News 101 KXL for a series of daily audio vignettes that reflect the proud history of KXL radio and the region it serves. Join broadcast veteran Dave Paull as he tells the story of the past 85 years, covering local as well as national and international events. Based on extensive research, Dave Paull has written a documentary for radio in 85 installments, each laced with the music, sounds and voices of our living history.

Audio engineer Bryan Griggs adds his expertise as “the wizard of sound,” blending music and sound effects with the voices of influential personalities of the twentieth century

and beyond. You'll experience the horror of the Vanport flood, the devastation of the Columbus Day storm, as well as the eruption of Mt. St. Helens and the thrill of a moon landing.

The series brings us into contemporary times as well. Hear about how Gleevic - a miracle drug to help cure cancer – was developed at OHSU, about the aborted Christmas bombing at Pioneer Courthouse Square, and about Vancouver's resurgence in art and culture. Listen to the story of Portland becoming one of the greenest cities in America with its abundance of microbreweries and high quality coffee roasters.

Through it all, KXL radio has served local listeners by offering a public forum for discussing issues and events that shape our lives. Join us on a journey through time as KXL celebrates 85 years of broadcasting.

Columbus Day Storm

Obama Rally 2008

1977 NBA Champions

Dave Paull

Veteran Portland Radio Reporter
and KXL Special Projects Director
Voice of KXL History Minutes

Bryan Griggs

Production Director
KXL, KXTG & KUFO
and Lover of Life
Producer of KXL History Minutes

KXL HISTORY MINUTES

Please take a moment to listen to the KXL History Minutes, documenting what happened during each year of KXL's long standing history on air.

You can also hear KXL History Minutes at the Treasures Of The Vault exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland.

Narrated by Dave Paull.

Alpha Broadcasting Corporation - The Leader Of The Pack

KXL Family: