KVOM (AM)
KVOM (800 AM, ) is a radio station licensed to serve Morrilton, Arkansas, USA. The station is owned by Bobby Caldwell's East Arkansas Broadcasters, through licensee EAB of Morrilton, LLC. KVOM simulcasts with KVOM-FM, breaking away for special sports presentations and religious broadcasts.
History
On Christmas Day, 1952, radio station KVOM-AM in Morrilton went on the air for the first time. It had been about two years since the inception of the idea for a radio station in the community.
In 1950, after the sale of his bakeries in Russellville, J.C. Willis was interested in getting into a totally different line of business. A friend, the late Russ Horne (who had a radio station in Russellville), suggested that Willis enter the broadcasting business also. Consequently, Morrilton was chosen for the location of the station.
The application to build radio station KVOM was made to the Federal Communications Commission on May 10, 1951. The studios and tower would be located on Highway 64, one-half mile east of Morrilton, on land leased from Mrs. Roy Chaney and the late Col. Roy R. Chaney. The construction permit was granted in July 1952; the permit to construct the tower and other installations was received in October, 1952, and permission was granted to KVOM to go on the air on December 25, 1952, as a partnership consisting of Willis as principal partner and Horne and L.L. Bryan, also of Russellville. They would be doing business as Morrilton Broadcasting Company. Willis purchased Horne's interest in 1955 and Bryan's interest in 1959, making him the sole owner and licensee.