The end of an Era. The “Voice of Uvalde” signs off
At 11 PM on Wednesday, June 29th, Mario Rangel the General Manager of KVOU 104.9 FM and KUVA 102.3 FM posted on the company’s Facebook Page that as of that day, the station had ceased all broadcast operations after 75 years of operation. 
Picture from www.uvalde.org
The KVOU Coyote Country Facebook post reads:
“KVOU Radio, one of Uvalde’s oldest, continuously operated business, ceased all operations Wednesday, June 29.
The station’s owners, South Texas Radio LLC, made the announcement Wednesday.
KVOU-AM 1400 signed on in 1947 by founders E.J. and Mary Harpole. Since that time, other frequencies were added – FM 104.9, FM 102.3 and FM 93.9.
I would like to thank all who have supported Uvalde’s radio stations over the years, especially the advertisers whom without them, none of this would have been possible.
It’s been a long, wonderful run, but having hosted morning shows for many years, the time has come to sleep in (at least I hope I can), I want to thank you for listening. You are truly wonderful people, as are the staff I’ve worked with throughout the years both in Uvalde and Eagle Pass.”
KVOU 1200 am was licensed under the KVOU call sign until 2012 when the Guadalupe Radio Network acquired the AM channel and changed the call sign to KGWU and is part of the Catholic Radio Network.
For many years, the Uvalde High School varsity football home and away games were broadcast on KVOU 104.9 FM.
KVOU was also remembered for the live Trading Post programs which happened after the morning show on weekdays. On the Trading Post, listeners could call in and list items such as lawn mowers, furniture, cars and a variety of miscellaneous items they were trying to sell. One of the hosts of the Trading Post show was Toni Hull. According to those that remember listening to her on the program, her wit and humor made the show very popular.
Richard Morris served as the station’s news director for 27 years from 1985 to 2012 covering Uvalde City Council, County Commissioners, Uvalde CISD School Board, Uvalde Hospital Board meetings as well as other local news events. In a telephone interview, Morris spoke about his time at KVOU AM and FM. “Through KVOU and Former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, nationally prominent figures were brought in. I met George W. Bush.”
Morris also spoke about the broadcast equipment the station used in 1985 and how that equipment changed over the years. “In 1985, the station had very basic old time equipment like reel to reel (tape) and (analog) carts” He remembered when the station started using CDs.
At broadcast radio stations, commercials, station identification, short musical transitions called liners and other short recorded content were recorded on carts which resembled 8-track tapes and were played from that medium before digital technology transformed the industry. Older analog equipment also used “Pots” to control the volume output and the radio content.
Morris went on to explain that In 1987, KVOU changed it’s Format from Pop Music / Adult Contemporary to Country Music. About that same time, KVOU 1400 AM began broadcasting traditional country music. According to Morris 102.9 FM was on 93.9 FM before it became country in 1987. “104.9 as a country station was always live in the morning from 87 to the present.” he said
Morris mentioned that covering the Uvalde County Junior Livestock show for the radio station was a favorite time of his.
“In 1987, the 40th anniversary, improvements were made at that time with even more sophisticated equipment including computerized programming.” Morris said.
“In the 1990’s, KUVA 102.5 Tejano y Mas was launched. It broadcast Tejano Music and the featured live DJ’s and announcers all day and even on weekends.” Morris said.
When asked about major news he remembers covering while in Uvalde, Morris recalled involved a Texas State prisoner set to be paroled and released to live in Uvalde. He recalls many in Uvalde opposed to the release. “There were protests and press conferences. ” He said.
He went on to say the parole was eventually rearrested and sent back to prison.
Another major story occurred in the mid 1990’s. Morris mentioned involved the 38th District Court changing the venue of a high profile trial of someone accused of transmitting the AIDS Virus to another person.
In reflecting on KVOU AM and FM, Virginia Davis mentioned a station sign-off recording which was voiced by Former Governor Dolph Briscoe.
Donna Edwards, who with Dave Edwards owns Edward’s Furniture worked at the station in the mid-80’s selling radio ads. “I loved working there,” She said.
She also recalled working with Vale Rodriquez.
Donna Edwards recalls one of her favorite times working at the station. “A couple of us remember going to the Rexall Drug Store at Christmas time when Allen Carmichael owned it.
They had the biggest selection of stuffed animals. All of their Christmas ads rhymed.” she said.
Before permanently signing off the air, a final act of service KVOU 104,9 provided for Uvalde was broadcasting the Uvalde Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, July 22nd, 2022.
