KFBL, LEESE BROS. TO TAKE PLACE IN BIG STATION GROUP
October 22, 1926 (Everett Herald)
Daily Programs to Be Broadcast Soon; Powerful Battery System InstalledRadio station KFBL, Leese Brothers, Everett, takes its place among the leading commercial broadcast stations with the inauguration of daily programs, the addition of several remote controls and with the increase of power by the installation of a powerful new battery system, all of which will become effective in about two weeks.
The various changes, placing KFBL on a par with other Coast stations, will be noted by a formal opening program in about two weeks, the exact date of which will be announced later. The Everett Chamber of Commerce will co-operate in putting the opening program on the air, it was announced Friday morning.
In addition to the reorganization plans is the announcement of the appointment of Clarence M. Miller as announcer and program director and Leon W. Hammond as advertising and publicity director. Arrangements are being made by Mr. Miller to regularly broadcast educational and entertainment programs daily in the morning, afternoon and evening.
The station has been off the air for some time while the five watt battery system on which KFBL operated was being replaced by a 100 watt system which will permit continuous broadcasting. The station is a 100 watt unit, but in the past has not been operated under its full output. The new battery system could take care of a 500 watt capacity. Testing of the new system has been under way the past week and will continue until the formal opening. The system was built in the plant of Leese Brothers.
Tentative arrangements have been completed to install a remote control in the Monte Cristo hotel where the various service clubs meeting at the hotel could place their programs on the air. The management of the station is also negotiating with two churches and it is probable that arrangements will be completed with one of them to regularly broadcast Sunday services. According to present plans the Central Labor council will have one evening each week to put on the air an educational program of particular interest to organized labor. Programs to compare with any given in the Northwest, consisting of music, vocal and instrumental, addresses, educational features and various other types, will be placed on the air, according to the management. Important news matters will also be sent out.
The studio, equipped with a piano and other instruments for broadcasting, is said to be one of the best in the Northwest.
October 1941 – Everett Herald (click picture to ENLARGE)
KRKO facilities moved
Jason Remington • March 25, 2026
KFBL changed call letters to KRKO in 1934, leased by Lee Mudgett from the Leese Brothers.
KRKO OPENS NEW STUDIO SATURDAY – January 1937 (Everett Herald)
Special Program Arranged to Inaugurate New Location
KRKO opened its new broadcasting studio in the Clark building, this Saturday, morning going on the air at 7 a. m. The public has been invited to visit the new location and inspect the modern fittings and equipment which is a considerable improvement over the former location.
The enlarged staff completed the change Friday evening and made all preparations for the broadcast to begin this morning. Of public interest is the new reception room which is artistically appointed in a brown modernistic motif with the comfort of the visitor and artist foremost in the choice of appointments.The mechanical equipment is of the latest design to guarantee natural reception to the listeners. Sound proof walls have been built into the walls and the control room is so designed that all controls are within reach of the engineer in charge.The studio will be open to the public until 10 o’clock this evening and a special program has been arranged featuring city officials and state representatives.
KFBL joins a network
Jason Remington • March 25, 2026
April 7, 1929 – KFBL BECOMES PART OF NORTHWEST CHAIN
Announcement is made by the Everett broadcasting station KFBL of new affiliations with the Northwest chain, comprising stations in Portland, Seattle, Spokane and Bellingham. The first chain program will be the I. B. S. A. Watchtower program broadcast from KFBL Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. This will be a regular Sunday feature. Many weekly features are being planned so that Everett radio fans may enjoy the best in radio programs from their own station.