True to its
long-standing tradition, radio continues to be an important
component of the information and advertising mix. Its characteristic
ability to target and draw a defined demographic provides an
essential service to advertisers.
The broadcast operation originated with two stations in
Amarillo, Texas, and two stations in Topeka, Kan., which were
acquired in 1995 with the purchase of Stauffer Communications.
The Morris broadcast division came into its own in 1997 and
1998 with the respective purchases of the Desert Radio Group
in Palm Springs, Calif., and Pioneer Broadcasting of Washington
state. The seven California stations, 13 stations in Alaska
and Washington state, and the 2004 purchase of six additional
stations from EBC, Inc., of Salina, Kan., grew the company's
total broadcast holdings to 33 stations and two networks.
In 2000, the broadcast division became international with the
addition of Riviera Radio, licensed to the principality of Monaco.
It is the only 24-hour, English-language, FM radio station covering
the French Riviera.
Programming within the Morris broadcast network is wide-ranging,
with formats dedicated to news, talk, sports, entertainment and a variety
of music styles. KWLN-FM in Wilson Creek, Wash., is a Spanish-language
station, serving the Columbia River area's residents and KFUT-AM is a Spanish-language sports radio station serving the listeners near Palm Springs, Calif.
The Kansas networks give the company additional presence in
agriculture and statewide information.
