ADA, Okla. — KADA Radio celebrates 30 years under Chickasaw Nation ownership this year, marking a milestone in the tribe’s commitment to branch into new business ventures. Under the tribe’s leadership, the once small AM station has transformed into a multi-station network with state-of-the-art equipment.
KADA Radio began in 1934 as an AM morning program broadcasting sermons from the First Baptist Church in Ada. The show operated from the church’s basement. At the time, KADA Radio was one of the first stations in the state and in the country.
“For the first five years of operation it wasn’t even officially licensed, because the Federal Communications Commission was in its infancy,” South Central Oklahoma Radio Enterprises (SCORE) Station Manager Roger Harris said.
In the late 1930s, the station moved to its present-day location at 1019 N. Broadway in Ada under the management of Bill and Katherine Hoover. At the time, the station was the only one in the area, and employees were tasked with playing country, jazz, instrumental, rock and more. Harris began working at the station as a DJ in 1978.
“Literally at 6:59 p.m. you might be fading out Dean Martin and hitting Led Zeppelin,” Harris said. “That’s how crazy the format was, because it was the only station — we had to be all things to all people.”
By the 1980s, KADA Radio was still considered a “top dog” in the market, despite having two FM competitors. FM was still relatively new, but KADA needed an FM sister station to stay competitive. In 1988, the station purchased KFIX and rebranded it as KADA-FM. The station was jointly owned by Katherine Hoover and Harris, who had ascended to the position of general manager.
In the early 1990s, the station began to struggle amid increased competition and aging equipment. Hoover and Harris began looking for potential buyers. A chance lunch encounter between Harris and then newly elected Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby would change the station forever.
“Governor Anoatubby came over to my table and he said, ‘Roger, I've heard through the grapevine that you guys were thinking about selling the stations,’” Harris said.
The coincidental meeting changed the trajectory for KADA Radio. Governor Anoatubby was determined to bring new and unique businesses under the tribe’s umbrella. In 1996, the Chickasaw Nation purchased both KADA-AM and KADA-FM, retaining Harris as the general manager.
“The tribe invested in improving these facilities,” Harris said. “It was a top priority for them. It was a bold investment because the tribe was still relatively small with only 500 employees.”
The building was remodeled, and new, up-to-date equipment was purchased under Chickasaw Nation leadership.
“The Chickasaw Nation buying these stations in 1996 was the single best thing that could have happened in the media landscape,” Harris said. “As the tribe grew and got more successful, we grew.”
By 2012, KADA Radio expanded from two to five commercial stations under tribal leadership. Today, SCORE Broadcasting operates KADA — COOL 99.3 FM/1230 AM; KTLS — Boss FM 106.5; KXFC — 105.5 FM The X-Factor; Pirate Radio — 102.3 FM; and KYKC — 100.1 FM, the tribe’s most powerful station at 50,000 watts. The North Broadway facility underwent another major remodeling in 2008 to house the new stations. Two on-air studios were built, along with a production studio, new office spaces and additional restrooms.
With all the changes came an entire rebrand. The radio group decided to market itself as SCORE Broadcasting, emphasizing the south-central Oklahoma regional nature of the operation.
The tribe’s investment in SCORE gave the stations tools to better connect with listeners and expand their reach. Updated transmitters, digital systems and modern studios made broadcasts clearer and more reliable, while online streaming and mobile apps brought their programs to listeners anywhere in the world at any time.
“We have apps for all of the stations,” Harris said. “You can hear it on your cellphone; you can hear it on your desktop computer, and it can be anywhere in the world. In theory, we have a worldwide audience.
“One of our biggest new expansions is the ability to video stream Ada High and ECU games in high definition. Basically, we are in the TV business now with some games attracting as many as 8,000 viewers,” Harris said.
The upgraded technology and state-of-the-art facility renovations have been valuable tools in helping SCORE accomplish its enduring goal of serving and informing the community. Harris said that goal is vital in their day-to-day work and remains unwavering, even in severe weather.
“We have to be here — it’s one of the hazards of the job,” Harris said, referring to station employees being present during extreme weather. “When I come out here, I can flip one switch and be on all five stations at the same time.”
Even in tense situations, Harris and his team embrace the responsibility. Stressful nights spent tracking weather, relaying school closings and updating citizens are also moments when the station feels most essential.
“In reality, it’s kind of when we enjoy our job the best because that’s when we’re most needed,” said Harris. “We are equipped to stay on the air in extreme conditions, so we will be a much needed, valuable resource for people.”
In the 30 years since the Chickasaw Nation bought KADA, the broadcasting facility has become more than just a local radio station network. It has become a trusted voice, community lifeline and a testament to the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to innovation and service.