Station History

It was 1956 when KLLA opened up the airwaves in Vernon Parish to its first local AM signal from sun up to sundown.  Ed Marshall was the first General Manager to take the reigns on what would become the longest standing broadcast signal in Vernon Parish. 

KLLA and Rock & Roll were here to stay with hits from up and coming artist like Elvis Presley, The Platters, Bill Doggett, The Teenagers, Bill Haley, and Fats Domino.

The 60's brought social change to the forefront of the American Conscience, KLLA was right on the front line in supporting both the troops that were in training at Camp Polk (now Fort Polk) and the socially conscience youth that would bring about inevitable change.  Bands like Jefferson Airplane and the Rolling Stones found their way onto the air while artists like Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper kept Vernon Paris tapping its collective foot.

With the deaths of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, the 70's seemed to roll over everyone.  Vietnam was escalating.  Fort Polk was growing and KLLA was there through it all, playing hits from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Simon and Garfunkel, and Rod Stewart.  KLLA was defining the times, and redefining radio with programs like the red hot Louisiana Swap Shop!  

The late 70's - early 80's ushered in FM Radio and with the help of a good credit standing by Gran and Pap Pollacia and the movie "Urban Cowboy", country was THE new format and KJAE was on the air.

Country music was still the hot format and PENE Broadcasting had it covered with KJAE and the Rock & Roll was still on tap with KLLA.  Sport coverage took a front seat as the local sports coverage KJAE dominated the market.

January 20, 2000 @ 6:03 P.M. KJAE raises power from 3,000 watts to 500,000 (just kidding - but it seems like it).  KJAE now covers an area from just south of Shreveport, east to Alexandria, south to Lake Charles, and west to Port Author, Texas.  They say things move slower in the south.  And the more things change, the more they stay the same.  We're bigger, stronger, and more powerful than ever, but maintain our commitment to our listeners.  KLLA still plays the best R-N-R ever made.  KJAE continues to dominate the market with Swap Shop, Local Sports, and the best Country music.  Progressive equipment, more power, and the computer age has helped us to serve the people of West Louisiana and East Texas more effectively, but has left our commitment to our listeners unchanged.  We realize our power is in your hands, and we look forward to hearing from you for the next 50 years.