| Broadcast area | Fresno |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 1510 kHz |
| Branding | Radio Vida Abundante |
| Programming | |
| Format | Spanish Christian radio |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Centro Cristiano Viva Abundante, Inc. |
| KJDJ | |
| History | |
First air date | August 1962; 61 years ago (1962-08) |
Call sign meaning | Original owner Irving E. Penberthy |
| Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 48513 |
| Class | D |
| Power | 10,000 watts days only |
Transmitter coordinates | 36°42′42″N 119°49′59″W / 36.71167°N 119.83306°W / 36.71167; -119.83306 |
| Links | |
Public license information |
|
| Website | radiovidaabundante |
KIRV (1510 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station broadcasting a Spanish-language Christian radio format. It is licensed to Fresno, California and is owned by Centro Cristiano Viva Abundante, Inc.[2]
By day, KIRV is powered at 10,000 watts. It uses a directional antenna with a two-tower array. But 1510 AM is a clear channel frequency, so the station must sign off the air at sunset. This requirement was originally instituted to protect the signal of KGAinSpokane, Washington, a former Class A clear channel station on 1510 kHz.
The Federal Communications Commission authorized the granting of a construction permit for a new radio station on 1510 kHz in Fresno to Irving E. Penberthy on October 31, 1961.[3] Penberthy was a Baptist minister and plans were initially announced for the station to specialize in Christian radio programs.[4] This was changed before broadcasting began.[5] The station officially signed on the air in August 1962; 61 years ago (1962-08).
At the end of 1965, Penberthy reached a deal to sell KIRV to general manager Robert Eurich.[6] Eurich owned the station until New Life Enterprises acquired it in 1974.[3] One of the partners in New Life was Jim Patterson, who later became mayor of Fresno between 1993 and 2001.[7] Patterson was a second-generation broadcaster; he had previously been employed at KBIF, which was owned by his father Norwood until he lost ownership of it in a tax case. Norwood was also involved with Visalia's KICU-TV.[8] Patterson, who was joined by Dan Jantz and Dennis Klassen in the partnership, frequently aired his conservative political views on KIRV programs.[9] The station lost $400 in its first full year as a Christian outlet but made $44,000 of revenue by 1980.[8]
The 500-watt station upgraded to its present 10,000 watts after the construction of two new towers in the antenna array was approved in 1979.[10]
Though not active in management in the later years,[8] Patterson continued to own KIRV until 1999, when it was sold to Gore-Overgaard Broadcasting. Gore-Overgaard sold KIRV to current owner Centro Cristiano Vida Abundante in December 2012 for $600,000.[11]
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| Defunct |
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See also: Clear channel radio stations and Why AM Radio Stations Must Reduce Power, Change Operations, or Cease Operations at Night | |
