WHO WE ARE

Pipestone, Minnesota is 10 miles east of the South Dakota state line – 50 miles northeast of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is home to KLOH.

In January 1955, the Federal Communications Commission granted permission to Pipestone Radio Corporation, C.B. Thomas, President, to construct a radio station with a power of 1,000 watts on 1050 kilocycles with the call letters of KLOH (“Land of Hiawatha”) In June of 1955, Dalton Nelson, station manager, put KLOH on the air.

In the early years, KLOH broadcast during daylight hours only. The first studio location was downtown Pipestone in a basement of a building next to the old Eagle Cafe. In 1961 the studio was moved to its present location west of Pipestone on Highway 30 at the twin towers site. In 1962, KLOH was purchased by Ingstad Corporation of Valley City, ND, Bob Ingstad Sr. President.

In 1965 Wallace Christensen took a position as an announcer, became Sales Manager, and then by 1972 was General Manager. In August 1976 he purchased the station from the Ingstads and is the present owner. During these years, KLOH has had major upgrades. One of the twin towers was moved and power was increased from 1,000 watts to 9,000 watts. Coverage was increased and KLOH started broadcasting in Stereo and 24 hours a day.

In 1980 a major building project was completed more than doubling the studio and office space. In May of 1998 a complete upgrade was done with the front office traffic and billing system computers.

In November of 1969 a sister station went on the air. Called KLOH FM at the time, it has now been renamed KISD and is on 98.7.

In 1993 another sister station went on the air. KJOE FM, broadcasting on 106.1, is located on Broadway Avenue in Slayton, MN.

In 2019, Christensen Broadcasting added KDWC 99.3 FM and three HD channels, KDWC 106.1 HD3, KCCC 106.1 HD2 in 2021 and KMEM 106.1 HD3 in 2022.

In the fall of 2021, Christensen Broadcast Network was created and sports announcers expanded their capabilities with online video sports streaming covering 6+ local and region schools.

Christensen Broadcasting LLC. is proud to be able to serve the over 650,000 avid listeners from southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and southeast South Dakota. This 3 state, 35 county region is one of the best in the United States and our listeners are the best!

Christensen Broadcasting has established itself as a growing local media company dedicated to serving communities across southwest Minnesota and eastern South Dakota through radio and digital platforms.

The company’s modern era began with the acquisition of stations in Pipestone, Minnesota, including KLOH-AM and KJOE-FM, laying the foundation for a locally focused network built on strong community ties. From the beginning, Christensen Broadcasting emphasized local ownership, live and local programming, and a commitment to serving listeners with relevant news, weather, sports, and entertainment.

As a multi-generational, family-owned company, Christensen Broadcasting takes pride in carrying forward a legacy of local media stewardship. This continuity has helped shape a long-term vision focused not just on growth, but on sustaining meaningful connections with the communities it serves.

As the company expanded, it embraced evolving broadcast technology, incorporating HD Radio and streaming platforms to reach audiences beyond the traditional dial. This approach allowed for the creation of additional formats and niche programming, including faith-based and contemporary hit music channels, broadening its reach across multiple demographics.

A major period of growth came in the mid-2020s, when Christensen Broadcasting expanded into new markets through strategic acquisitions. This included stations in Luverne, Minnesota and Madison, South Dakota, significantly increasing the company’s regional footprint and strengthening its presence across state lines.

With these additions came a series of format evolutions and rebrands designed to better serve modern listeners. In 2026, the company launched KCLP 101.1 FM “The Rock Farm” in Luverne, transitioning a longtime country station into a mainstream rock outlet. That same year, KJAM Radio in Madison expanded its brand beyond the AM dial, while KJAM-FM was reintroduced as KMZM with a refreshed identity and programming direction.

Christensen Broadcasting has remained committed to local service throughout its growth, continuing to prioritize high school sports coverage, community events, and reliable severe weather information—hallmarks of small-market radio. At the same time, the company has expanded its digital presence, offering streaming, mobile apps, and multi-platform access to ensure listeners can stay connected wherever they are.

Today, Christensen Broadcasting operates a diverse group of stations that blend heritage and innovation—honoring the legacy of local radio while adapting to the future of the industry. With continued investment in both content and technology, the company remains focused on delivering meaningful, community-driven broadcasting across the region.