KAKU changes ownership, becomes KSCV

After almost six years of broadcasting as KAKU, the Springfield station at 90.1 FM April 2 became KSCV under its new owner, Bott Radio Network.

The Kansas City-based Bott Radio Network acquired KAKU and the permit for another station in the Jefferson City-Columbia area from American Family Association for $1.25 million.

"It's a significant investment on our part, but we're excited about the opportunity it gives us to proclaim the gospel and to help people keep informed," said Rich Bott II, executive president of Bott Radio Network.

The new call letters stand for Springfield's Christian Voice. The station has retained a Christian format as well as its station manager, Paul Schneider.

There is a slight change from the KAKU format, however. KSCV is an all-talk Christian station, featuring nationally syndicated shows about managing relationships, handling finances, raising children and "how to apply God's word in daily living," Bott said.

Bott Radio Network was founded in 1962 by Dick Bott Sr. It now has 18 Christian radio stations in seven states.

KSCV adds to Bott Radio Network's coverage of Missouri that already encompasses Kansas City, St. Louis, Kirksville, Richmond, Lexington and Lake of the Ozarks. Bott said the new station to serve the Jefferson City and Columbia area should begin broadcasting later this month.

The KSCV studio remains at 300 E. Sunshine. Its tower will relocate and double in power to create a 50-mile listening radius including Branson to the south, Mountain Grove to the east, Preston to the north and Mount Vernon to the west.

KSCV is a noncommercial station, Bott added. It is supported by local business sponsors who receive underwriting announcements on the station. The company is in the process of hiring an account executive who will help to develop and serve the business sponsors, he said.

(The preceding article originally appeared in the March 15, 2001, issue of the SBJ Daily Update, a subscriber-only service.)