KXRA (AM)

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.

KXRA

Alexandria, Minnesota
Broadcast area	Alexandria, Minnesota
Frequency	1490 kHz
Branding	1490 KXRA
Programming
Format	News/Talk
Affiliations	Compass Media Networks Townhall News Westwood One
Ownership
Owner	Leighton Broadcasting (Leighton Radio Holdings, Inc.)
Sister stations	KXRA-FM, KXRZ
History
First air date	July 27, 1949 (1949-07-27)[1]
Call sign meaning	Approximation of Alexandria
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	51523
Class	C
Power	1,000 watts
Transmitter coordinates	45°52′06″N 95°21′48″W
Translators	100.3 K262AT (Alexandria) 105.7 K289CL (Glenwood)
Links
Public license information	Public file LMS
Webcast	Listen live
Website	voiceofalexandria.com/kxra

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.^[3] For nearly 40 years, it operated under this local ownership before being purchased by Paradis Broadcasting in 1988. ^[4] 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.^[5][6][7][8]

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." ^[9] 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.