Missoula Radio Stations Sign Off After 40 Years

Missoula Radio Bids Farewell After four Decades

For forty years,Mountain Broadcasting has been a staple of the Missoula airwaves. Now, the company is turning off the mics, marking the end of an era for local radio. The decision to cease operations was a difficult one, born from the evolving media landscape and shifting listener habits. “It’s been a privilege to serve the Missoula community for so long,” a company spokesperson stated. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received over the years.”

End of an Era: Two Beloved Western Montana Radio Stations Say Goodbye

Western Montana bid farewell to two iconic radio stations at the end of 2024, marking the end of a four-decade chapter in the region’s broadcasting history. Mountain Broadcasting, owned by Sheila Callahan & Friends Inc., announced the closure of both “Mountain 102.5” KMSO Missoula/106.3 K292GH Hamilton and “107.9 The Drive” KHDV Darby/Hamilton and 103.7 K279CP/KMSO-HD2 Missoula. “Mountain 102.5” had been a staple for Hot AC enthusiasts, while “107.9 The drive” provided a soundtrack of classic hits for listeners across the region. The closure of these stations marks a notable shift in the media landscape of western Montana, leaving a void for many devoted listeners.

A legacy of Local Sound: Mountain Broadcasting’s Evolution

Mountain Broadcasting has played a vibrant role in local radio, its history marked by evolution and adaptation. In 1985, the company launched 102.5 as KUEZ, an Easy Listening station designed to soothe the ears of listeners. Over time, the station morphed to reflect changing tastes. Adopting the call letters KMSO in 1987, it transitioned through the popular Adult Contemporary (AC) format before ultimately finding its home as a Hot AC station. Another chapter in Mountain Broadcasting’s story began in 2006 with the arrival of KHDV. Hitting the airwaves with a Country sound, the station later pivoted to Classic Hits in 2013, broadening its appeal. KHDV further expanded its reach in 2015 by adding a simulcast on K279CP, ensuring an even wider audience could tune in and enjoy its classic hits.

Interview: Sheila Callahan Reflects on the End of a Montana Radio Era

After four decades of broadcasting, Mountain Broadcasting, owned by Sheila Callahan & Friends Inc., has permanently ceased operations, bidding farewell to “Mountain 102.5” (KMSO) and “107.9 The Drive” (KHDV). Archyde sat down with Sheila Callahan to discuss the legacy of Mountain Broadcasting and the changing landscape of local radio.









 









**Archyde:** sheila, Mountain Broadcasting has been a fixture in Western Montana for forty years.That’s a remarkable achievement.What are some of the most cherished memories you have from this journey?











**Sheila Callahan:** It’s true, time flies when you’re sharing music and stories with a community. We’ve seen listeners grow up alongside our stations, from teenagers discovering new music to families relying on us for local news and data. One memory that sticks out is launching “107.9 The Drive.” The energy of bringing classic hits to a new audience was truly electrifying. Seeing people connect with the music and with each othre through our station was incredibly rewarding.







 









**Archyde:** The radio industry is undoubtedly facing challenges in the digital age. What factors ultimately led to your decision to close Mountain Broadcasting?









**Sheila Callahan:** Ther are several factors at play. The rise of streaming services and digital platforms has undeniably changed listening habits. advertising revenue, a cornerstone for local radio, has also become more fragmented in the online world. It was a heartbreaking decision, but ultimately, we felt it was no longer enduring to operate in the current climate.











 









**Archyde:** What message would you like to convey to the dedicated listeners who tuned into mountain Broadcasting over the years?









**Sheila callahan:** To our loyal listeners, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. we’ve cherished the connection and the memories we’ve made together. While the stations may be gone, the music, the laughter, and the stories we shared will hopefully live on.









 









**Archyde:** Looking toward the future of local radio, what do you think needs to happen for stations to thrive and remain relevant?









**Sheila Callahan:** Local radio has an vital role to play in building community and providing crucial local information. Stations need to embrace digital platforms and find innovative ways to engage audiences, while also staying true to their core values of connection and service.