KRIT-FM was born as a local station in Clarion, Iowa. On May 4, 1987, it began operations from Fort Dodge. For the next 5 years, “Super 97” ran a hybrid AC/CHR format that proved extremely popular across North Central Iowa. But by 1992, everyone was becoming countryfied. This was due in no small part to the current state of pop music which had become extremely Rap/Hip Hop oriented and not very adult friendly. The only FM country in Fort Dodge was a small Class A outlet which did not offer regional coverage. So, on August 10, 1992, “Super 97, KRIT” became “Double Country KIA.”
Many thanks to Joel Navarro for providing this aircheck. Also known as Dave Collins, Joel was KIAQ’s original morning guy. Here’s the debut, beginning with the looped “construction” sound effects which aired for 30 hours previous to the launch: