KFEQ radio station which started in Oak will observe 100th anniversary

John Scroggin was a visionary Oak businessman. He was one of the first Nebraska residents to see the potential in the new technology known as wireless radio. It’s difficult to believe but it’s been 100 years since his pioneering radio station launched its first broadcast. He was officially granted a liccense to broadcast by the United States Department of Commerce, the predecessor of today’s Federal Communication Commission.

Scroggin was authorized to begin broadcasting June 16, 1923. There are reports he may have made the first broadcast on the 15th.

The station featured area talent performing live. Artists appearing on the station began a tradition of writing their names on the door to the studio. The studio and transmitter were located in the Scroggin house. The tower was in the yard near the house.In addition to the radio station, Scroggin was also a bank owner.

The station continued to prosper. Peformers clamored to be placed on the shows.

Scroggin realized if he wanted to grow the station, he would have to make a painful decision. In 1926. He moved the station to St. Joseph, Mo. He continued to be involved in the station until 1935. The station changed its frequency. The station pioneered live stockyard reports.

Brent Martin, current news director at the station, and Justin Peacock, a videographer, visited Oak and Superior Friday.

Martin is compiling a history of the station to celebrate its first century. There will be five 30-minute broadcasts chronicling the changes of the past 100 years.

The duo visited the former Oak bank and the Scroggin house where it all began.

The duo met Steve Renz, president of the Nuckolls County Historical Society, at the Nuckolls County musuem in Superior. Martin described viewing the door from the original station at the museum as discovering the Holy Grail. Peacock recorded ample video while in the area,

He and Peacock will be creating a video history. Both the broadcasts and the video will be available on the KFEQ website. The first episode is to be broadcast Tuesday. The website is http://www.kfeq.com