Kprk Radio Station Collection

KPRK RADIO STATION COLLECTION

Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County

118 West Chinook Street

Livingston Montana 59047

KPRK RADIO STATION COLLECTION

PROVENANCE: The KPRK Radio Station Collection was donated by Jan Holter Bernsten, owner of KPRK from 1985 to 1999, to the museum in 2017.

ACCESS: The collection is open for research. This pdf document can be searched online by simultaneously hitting keys Control and F.

In Box 3 the collection includes an envelope of three folders containing job applications and resumes. Due to the personal information contained in this material it is restricted.

OWNERSHIP: Literary rights and copyrights have been assigned to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County.

PUBLICATION RIGHTS: All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Museum does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

PREFERRED CITATION: [Identification of item], KPRK Radio Station Collection 2017. 039.0037, Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County, Livingston, Montana.

SIZE: Number of manuscript boxes: 3 Oversize: 1 folder Audio Visual: 1 box

PROCESSED BY: Ellen Zazzarino 2

KPRK RADIO STATION COLLECTION

HISTORICAL NOTE

Paul McAdam was the founder of KPRK. He operated the station under the corporate title of his theatre chain Yellowstone Amusement Company. John Boor was the first manager and assisted in the construction of the building. KPRK began broadcasting on Jan. 9, 1947 as the fourth post-war station to broadcast in Montana.

Around 1962 Paul McAdam sold the station to his old salesman, Jack Hinman and his wife Roberta “Bobbi” Hinman. The Hinmans operated the station under the corporate name KPRK, Inc until 1978, when Jack Hinman died. Bobbi Hinman sold the station to William L. “Bill” Holter. From his college days, Bill Holter worked in broadcasting. He owned KYLT Missoula, KBLL Helena, and KLTZ Glasgow. Holter was also involved in television in Great Falls. By 1985, Bill Holter convinced his daughter, Jann Holter Berntsen to manage KPRK. In 1985 at the age of 31, Jann Holter Berntsen became owner and manager of KPRK. Her husband, Dean Berntsen became the afternoon radio announcer. The radio station was live and signed on at 5:30 or 6:00, signed off at midnight and operated with a staff of eight employees.

One of the most popular shows was the Swap Shop, a live program allowing people to call in to sell or giveaway whatever they wanted. KPRK sponsored local events and covered local sports. One of Jann Holter Bernsten’s major accomplishments was to apply for and receive the FCC authority to boost the nighttime power from 250 to 1,000 watts. This meant that they were able to reach a larger audience for the station’s local sports programming.

In 1999 Jan Holter Berntsen sold KPRK. The transmitter and the tower continue to operate but no programming originates from the Livingston station. The building that was designed by Missoula architect, William Fox, was designated on the National Register for Historical Places on Sept. 5, 1979. Townsquare Media Group, located in Bozeman now owns the building.

Bill Holter died in 2005.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The material in the collection consists of the KPRK business records from 1946-2017. The collection is organized by subject in chronological order. The business records range from the initial planning and investment for the opening of KPRK to the closure and sale of the radio station. There are some audio- visual materials as well. (Photograph records are located elsewhere.)

KPRK RADIO STATION COLLECTION

SERIES DESCRIPTION

SERIES 1 BUSINESS RECORDS 1946-2017 BOX 1-3

The papers in the series comprise of business records that document the daily operations of the radio station. The subjects include financial, legal, promotional, customer relations, advertising, Park County issues, subscription services and equipment. The series contains agreements and communications with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), agreements for subscription services with American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; Broadcast Music Inc.; and United Press International. KPRK was actively involved with Park County residents. This is documented by the customer and ranch surveys and the records of issues in the county. The radio station sponsored local events and held promotional contests, which is documented in the papers.

The series includes an envelope of three folders containing job applications and resumes. Due to the personal information contained in this material it is restricted.

SERIES 2 OVERSIZE 1999, NOT DATED FOLDER 1

The series contains blueprints of the radio tower and the state highway right-of-way. In addition a Sony ad featuring the KPRK building and an enlarged copy of a newspaper article featuring photo of Bill Holter and Jan Holter Lambert Bernsten

SERIES 3 AUDIO VISUAL 1947-1989 BOX 1

Audio cassettes and reel to reel tapes comprise the series. The reel-to-reel tapes document the opening broadcast in 1947 along with guests and events. The cassettes contain advertising, guests and events.

KPRK RADIO STATION COLLECTION

SERIES 1 BUSINESS RECORDS

Box 1 Dates FF1 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): application for standard Dec. 1946 broadcasting license FF2 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): specified hours extended, 1959-1958 telegrams, letters, application FF3 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): application for transfer 1963 FF4 Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Intermountain Network Inc., 1965-1975 Keystone broadcasting System: letters, agreements FF5 Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – license renewal: letters, 1967-1970 applications FF6 Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Department of Defense: 1967-1970 Basic Emergency Broadcast System Plan FF7 Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – Basic Emergency 1967-1972 Broadcast System: memos, reports, order, update, organizational chart, bulletin FF8 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): letters sent 1969 FF9 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): composite week schedules, 1970-1973 letters FF10 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): public notices 1971-1974 FF11 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): composite week schedules, 1972-1974 feeding schedules and program logs, letters FF12 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): procedure manuals 1972, 1974 FF13 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): technical logs, work sheets 1973 FF14 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): license renewal application, Dec. 1973 equipment proof of performance report FF15 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): community needs survey, 1973-1976 report, notice of inquiry and proposed rule making, index cards filled out by public prioritizing needs

FF16 Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – Public Notice: copywriter 1974-1977 National Association of Broadcasters announcement

Box 1 Dates FF17 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): proof of performance reports Sept.12, 1975 FF18 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): composite week schedules, 1975-1976 program and technical logs, notices FF19 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): “Interpreting the FCC Rules Mar. 1976 and Regulations” article with handwritten notes FF20 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): license renewal application, 1976-1982 letters, notices FF21 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): application for transfer of 1978 control of KPRK, new ownership report FF22 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): amendment to the transfer Oct. 1978 transferee’s portion of the application for transfer of control of KPRK FF23 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): license renewal application 1979 form and exhibits, ownership report forms FF24 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): petition for FM rulemaking 1979 for Livingston to delete channel 249 and add channel 248 FF25 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): letters, reports, memos 1979-1980 ownership report FF26 Federal Communication Commission (FCC): Federal Emergency Mar. 1, 1980 Management Agency Outdoor Warnings System Guide FF27 Audience Comments: letters, clippings, list of civic and fraternal ca. 1966-1970 Organizations in Livingston FF28 Correspondence sent and received 1967-1975 FF29 Correspondence received 1967-1976 FF30 Public response to FCC public notice, FCC public announcements 1974 FF31 Public file: letters, complaints 1974-1978 FF32 Letters, brochure, business retention and expansion project report, 1977-1996 registration forms FF33 Public file: letters 1978

FF34 Public file: letters 1978

FF35 Public file: letters 1980-1981

FF36 Ranch surveys ca. 1965-1975 FF37 Ranch surveys not dated 6

Box 1 Dates FF38 Community needs survey: public surveys, list of civic and fraternal 1971-1976 organization in Livingston, index cards filled out by public FF39 Program questionnaire ca. 1975 FF40 Program questionnaire ca. 1975 FF41 Park County Issues/problems: letters, radio script, Stop Allenspur 1974-1977 Committee brochure and info

Box 2 Dates FF1 Three Greatest Problems in Livingston: public comment on index cards ca. 1976 FF2 Community Leaders Survey Mar.- May 1978 FF3 Arctic Radio club: letter from Sweden regarding radio signals, cassette Aug. 1, 1995 tape, color photos, info page FF4 Letter regarding transmission in Finland Jan. 7, 1999 FF5 Yellowstone Amusement Co.: construction application, tower construction 1946 agreement and letter, water pipeline notes and letter, plat map with notes FF6 Graybar Electric Co.: equipment proposal, letter 1946 FF7 Coverage map ca. 1958 FF8 Engineering proposal for increase of power Nov. 1959 FF9 Gates Radio Co.: equipment proposals, letters 1961 FF10 Equipment proof of performance reports 1963-1972 FF11 State highway Commission of Montana: use permit rental invoices 1970-1977 FF12 Flood: handwritten notes on water rising from 1967-1975 ca. 1975 FF13 Program and technical logs Dec. 17, 1978 FF14 Frequency Measuring Service Inc.: memo, letter notes Jan. 1980 FF15 Historical Preservation Certification Application: letters, application, 1980 floor plans, article, memo, photos FF16 Spot, newscast and program rates, clipping 1947 FF17 Investment in radio station: list of payments sent, receipts ca. 1949 FF17A Fundraising for “Thanksgiving Tragedy”: copies of checks, photo of 1957 crosses, text FF18 Figures from sales management survey of buying power for Livingston June 10, 1964 and Bozeman

Box 2 Dates FF19 Advertizing slots sold, advertizing promo ca. 1978 FF20 Holter Broadcasting Corp.: escrow document, letters July – Aug. 1979 FF21 Financial: letters, invoices 1979-1980 FF22 Rate cards, blank forms ca. 1984 FF23 Rate cards 1985, 1993 FF24 Weekly review sheets, monthly billing projection not dated FF25 Saturday – Sunday sign on shift information not dated FF26 Havre Broadcasters agreement Mar. 2, 1946 FF27 Certificate of property location, diagrams, notes 1946, 1963 FF28 Subscription Services: contracts letters 1946 FF29 Press Association Inc.: contract, letters Dec. 1948 FF30 Broadcast Program Syndicate: letter, agreement Aug. – Sept. 1949 FF31 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: agreements, 1960-1972 letters, statements FF32 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: agreements, 1972-1973 letters, statements, deductions FF33 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: agreements, 1974-1977 letters, statements, deductions, survey FF34 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: letters 1978-1980 FF35 Broadcast Music Inc.: agreements, letters, memos, worksheet calculations, 1962-1978 audits FF36 Broadcast Music Inc.: statements of license fee, letters, license, receipt, 1972-1980 invoices FF37 Broadcast Music Inc.: statement of license fee, notes 1976 FF38 National Association of Broadcasters: radio – television program log 1968-1971 recommendations, letters FF39 National Association of Broadcasters: memos 1975-1978 FF40 National Association of Broadcasters: legal dept. infringement of coverage Feb. 1977 map copyrights notice FF41 National Association of Broadcasters: “Radio in 1985” report Mar. 1977

Box 2 Dates FF42 National Association of Broadcasters: “Ready if You Are” comprehensive 1978 industry wide survey FF43 National Association of Broadcasters - code authority review service: letter, 1978-1979 Commercial script request, program log copies, tip sheet FF44 SESAC Inc.: letters, agreement, memo 1964-1966, 1974 FF45 United Press International: service reports, letters, agreements, brochure, 1971-1978 notes, network client list FF46 United Press International: letters, service reports 1978-1980 FF47 Radio Advertizing Bureau: promotional ads ca. 1970s FF48 Radio Advertizing Bureau: “Sounds of Success” brochure on advertizing 1986-1987 FF49 Kay-tee Productions Radio Continuity Service: selling tips, promotions Nov. 1982 booklet FF50 Kay-tee Productions Radio Continuity Service: selling tips, promotions Dec. 1993 booklet FF51 Kay-tee Productions Radio Continuity Service: selling tips, promotions Jan. 1994 booklet FF52 Kay-tee Productions Radio Continuity Service: selling tips, promotions Feb. 1994 booklet FF53 Promotions/advertizing: list of businesses, invoices, scripts, Livingston 1986-1989 Chamber members list, notes FF54 Promotions/advertizing: script. Invoices, letters 1986-1990 FF55 Promotional cardboard displays of postcard of building ca. 1950-1960s FF56 Promotional postcards of building undated FF57 Promotional cards ca. 1960s FF58 Copyright for ads 1978 FF59 KYLT and KZOQ Missoula: promotional coupon book 1985 FF60 40th birthday ads ca. 1987

Box 3 Dates FF1 Publicity: newspaper clippings, articles (originals and copies) 1947-2003 FF2 “As Advertized on KPRK” cards ca. 1950s-1960s

Box 3 Dates FF3 Publicity and advertizing scrapbook: letters, public notice, scripts, 1951-1965 clippings, coverage map FF4 Sponsor thank you cards ca 1960s FF5 “Swap Shop” program postcard (blank) ca 1960s FF6 “Congratulations You’re a Winner” postcards (blank) ca 1960s FF7 Promotional cards with ads, wind-chill chart ca 1960s FF8 “Local groups who appeared over KPRK” P.A. program announcements ca 1974 text, music record/studio production music (blank forms) FF9 Christmas Goodie booklets 1989, not dated FF10 “Girls’ Basketball Tournament Funbook” 1994, 1996 FF11 “Dashboard News” ca 1995 FF12 “Dashboard News” blank stationary ca. 1995 FF13 “Fair Time Fun Book” July 26-29, 1995 FF14 Promotional/blank forms” original copy art, advertizing ca. 1996 FF15 Promotional advertizing: bumper sticker, ticket 1996-1997 FF16 Celebrating 50 Years stickers, thanks for listening stickers 1997 FF17 Vintage radio wine labels/stickers not dated FF18 Vintage radio wine labels/stickers not dated FF19 “Bubba’s Coming Home” scrapbook (exchange between Livingston, MT 1989 and Livingston, TX): clippings, senate resolution, list of items to send to TX FF20 Livingston, MT exchange with Livingston, TX: promotional material for 1989 Penwaugh Resort winners FF21 Livingston, MT exchange with Livingston, TX: certificate of flag presented 1989 to Livingston, list of items given to Texas, program schedule FF22 Livingston, MT exchange with Livingston, TX: senate resolution (original 1989 and copy) FF23 Livingston, MT exchange with Livingston, TX: newspaper articles, 1989 clippings FF24 Park County – construction of City and County Building: agreement, 1972-1974 statement FF25 Park County – Bridger Canyon Developers: clipping, letter, radio editorial Dec. 1973 text, newsletter 10

Box 3 Dates FF26 Park County – Resolution No. 62, regulating all licensing, gaming July 22, 1974 FF27 Park County – Public Affairs: questions for mayoral debate, copyright 1976 text, Lagoon Rehabilitation Committee list, clippings FF28 Park County – Livingston Depot Foundation: funding proposal, memo, ca 1985-1986 meeting program, letter, notes, article (copy) FF29 Park County – Crazy Mountain Railroad: Livingston to Wilsall passenger ca 1987 rail service prospectus, letter FF30 Park County – Livingston Memorial Hospital fundraising campaign: 1987-1988 agendas, meeting minutes, brochure, clippings, advertizing text FF31 Park County – Livingston Historic Walking Tour planning: town history, ca 1988 brochure, meeting minutes, clipping (copy) FF32 Montana Broadcasters Association: annual broadcasting awards and June 21, 1989 Banquet program FF33 Blank stationary and envelopes ca 1984 FF34 Blank stationary and envelopes ca 1997 FF35 Jann Holter Berntsen (owner): note pad, business cards ca 1980s-1990s FF36 Veterans of Foreign Wars: Voice of Democracy certificate of merit not dated FF37 W.L. “Bill” Holter: “In Honor of his 80th birthday program and Armistice Nov. 11, 1968, Day speech (DVD), list of positions and awards April 9, 2005 FF38 “History of Radio Broadcasting in Livingston, MT by Jann Holter Bernsten Nov. 12, 2012 DVD FF39 “We Pause for Station Identification, Montana’s Broadcasting Pioneers” by 2017 Bill Knowles: preview of upcoming publication with chapter on Livingston, Business cards, postcards

BOX 3 ENVELOPE 1 RESTRICTED JOB APPLICATIONS FF1 Job applications, resumes 1978-1979 FF2 Job applications, resumes 1978-1979 FF3 Job applications, resumes 1978-1979

SERIES 2 OVERSIZE FOLDER 1 (2017.039.0038) Dates Item Sony ad featuring image of KPRK radio station 1999

OVERSIZE FOLDER 1 (2017.039.0038) Dates Item Big Fork Eagle newspaper featuring photo of Bill Holter and Jan Holter June 2, 1999 Lambert (copy) Item Radio tower blueprint not dated Item State Highway Commission plat of land required for right-of-way not dated

SERIES 3 AUDIO VISUAL MATERIAL (2017.039.0039) DATES BOX 1 Item Japanese visit: audio cassette not dated Item John’s IGA “Winner Olympics” KPRK promo: audio cassette Feb. 1988 Item 6005, 6144, 6110, 6158: audio cassette not dated Item News cast with Bubba story (sister city Livingston, TX): reel to reel tape ca. 1989 Item KPRK opening broadcast, Jack Swenson, Musical Bridge, Bob Greer, 1947 Paul McAdams thank you to contractors, Bob Greer intro popcorn and Musical on the trail, intro of John Boor chief engineer who built KPRK, Jack Swenson (Com. Mgr.), Wallace Carl (G.M.) Bob Greer, Florence Miller, Marie Ehgesy, more intros of staff, Dan Miles, Les Swanson, teen time tunes, Walter Carl with Lettie from Livingston Chamber of Commerce, letter from Hinman JC President: reel to reel tape 1 Item C.V. Brown – prime Park County High School, Ark Trauler – music 1947 Popular in 1947, Frank Olsen - Chief of Police, Swan Olsen – Sheriff of Park County, Peanuts, Bob Greer – blues in the night, Ted Stump – speaking on Hospital needs, Web Brown (?), Ed Orleman, Bob Greer South Am. Take it Away, Bob Greer and Jack Swenson – cigar commercial, music bridge, Joy Gleason speaking on radio in education: reel to reel tape 2 Item SFX Save: reel to reel tape undated Item “Looking Forward Liv.”: reel to reel tape 1986 Item Visitors from Naganohara: reel to reel tape April 18, 9_?