“Radio Alegría” KTAM 1240 AM-100.1 FM, is one of four radio stations that are owned and operated by Brazos Valley Communications, Ltd. in the Brazos Valley. The owners of the company are Texans with a long history as owners of radio stations in Texas starting in 1989. Brazos Radio began in 2006 with the acquisition of the stations, KORA-FM, KTAM-AM-FM and KBXT KJXJ-FM. KAPN-FM was acquired in late 2008 and became OLDIES 107.3 “Good Times and Great Oldies” in 2011 and is now “CLASSIC HITS 102.3 & 107.3”. The company sold KJXJ-FM in 2018.
The roots of the group began with KORA 1240-AM in the AM band. The first studio of the station, located at 305 West 26th Street in Bryan, was the second station on the air in the area. D.C. Jones, the original owner and manager of the station began a long history of entertainment when other nine crew made its first broadcast on September 10, 1947 in Bryan, Texas.
The station was an immediate success with the voices of the original personalities of Bill Thomas, Tom Dietz and Bill Zak becoming part of the daily lives of the listeners of the area. The popularity of the radio station whose signal was dedicated to Mr. Jones mother, Kora Jones, grew over the years to become the radio of choice for the community. It was the trusted source for the latest news, weather, and sports.
In 1966, the radio station reached two landmarks in its history when the station outgrew its original offices. As the station moved to its current location at 1240 Villa Maria Road in April of that year, it also launched its’ KORA-FM on 98.3 FM. That was the early beginnings of station owners being able to operate multiple stations in a local community. Today, broadcast companies may own up to as many as eight radio stations in a single community and Brazos Valley Radio has grown to five stations serving the entertainment and informational interests of an ever-growing Brazos Valley.
For six decades, the on-air personalities, sales force, administrative staff, and management have used the power and legacy of KORA & KTAM to reach listeners in ways that benefited the less fortunate. The Radio M*A*S*H toy drive is known as the largest event of its kind in the Brazos Valley and annually provides toys for thousands of children who might otherwise be without gifts at Christmas.
Today, just as was the case in 1947, KORA, KTAM and their sister stations in the Brazos Radio group continue to entertain, inform, and care for the people of Bryan-College Station and beyond. The stations along with our employees take great pride in remaining true to our heritage in bringing our listeners programming reflecting the values and interests of our listeners. These stations and our employees are committed to their community and to the support of community organizations. We serve and support community organizations to serve the public good and interests of the communities we are privileged to serve.