KXRA
CountryUS
CityAlexandria, Minnesota
AreaAlexandria, Minnesota
Branding1490 KXRA
Frequency1490 kHz
Translator100.3 K262AT (Alexandria)
105.7 K289CL (Glenwood)
AirdateJuly 27, 1949[1]
FormatNews/Talk
Power1,000 watts
ClassC
Facility id51523
Coordinates45°52′06″N 95°21′48″W
Callsign meaningApproximation of Alexandria
OwnerLeighton Broadcasting
LicenseeLeighton Radio Holdings, Inc.
AffiliationsCompass Media Networks
Townhall News
Westwood One
Sister stationsKXRA-FM, KXRZ
Websitevoiceofalexandria.com/kxra
Licensing authorityFCC

KXRA is a news/talk on 1490 AM and translator channels K262AT at 100.3 FM in Alexandria, Minnesota and K289CL at 105.7 FM in Glenwood, Minnesota owned by Leighton Broadcasting, which also owns KXRZ and KXRA-FM.

History

KXRA was founded on July 27, 1949, by the Alexandria Broadcasting Corporation. The station's original leadership included founders Everette Q. Walters and R.C. Brown.[2] For nearly 40 years, it operated under this local ownership before being purchased by Paradis Broadcasting in 1988. [3] The Paradis family, led by General Manager Brett Paradis, operated the station for 31 years, during which time they expanded the company's holdings to include FM sister stations KXRA-FM and KXRZ. In February 2020, the station was acquired by Leighton Broadcasting for $3.4 million.[4][5][6][7]

The station is known for its long-running local programs, including Open Line, a community forum, and Swap Shop. The station operates under the branding "Voice of Alexandria." [8] KXRA also serves as the flagship station for Alexandria Area High School athletics, branding itself as the "Voice of the Cardinals" for football, basketball, and hockey coverage.

References

  1. ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1999 (PDF). 1999. p. D-231. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  2. ^ "Obituary for Hazel Walters". Anderson Funeral Home. September 2013. Retrieved 2025-12-01. Everette was a founding partner of Radio Station KXRA
  3. ^ "Mel Paradis: Hall of Fame Inductee". Pavek Museum. Pavek Museum of Broadcasting. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  4. ^ "1964 Broadcasting Yearbook". Washington, D.C.: Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1964. p. B-80. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  5. ^ 1951 Radio Annual. New York: Radio Daily Corp. 1951. p. 483. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  6. ^ Venta, Lance (2019-09-23). "Leighton Enterprises Expands Into Alexandria MN". RadioInsight. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  7. ^ Ellis, Jon (2019-09-24). "Leighton Expands to Alexandria". Upper Midwest Broadcasting. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  8. ^ "KXRA Schedule". Voice of Alexandria. Leighton Broadcasting. Retrieved 2025-12-01.