In its 100 years in operation, KMJ has appeared in other media, including a microphone in this scene with Michael Jordan in "Space Jam." Photos contributed

Call it a century for one of the country’s oldest radio stations.

Fresno News/Talk radio station KMJ is kicking off its 100th birthday celebration this week, announced owner Cumulus Media.

The station’s year-long centennial celebration will include a concert to be announced at a later date and a documentary film.

 

KMJ began broadcasting on March 23, 1922, and is the 38th oldest licensed and continually operated radio station in America, providing news and entertainment to Central Valley listeners.

The local station was originally owned by the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation and was acquired by the McClatchy Newspaper Co. in 1925 and has seen different owners since.

KMJ operates on regional channel 580 AM and 105.9 FM with antenna towers near Orange Cove and Kerman.

 

Starting in World War II, the U.S. Department of War selected KMJ as the primary medium for alerting Central California residents — and is still used as a primary entry point for the Emergency Alert System.

Patty Hixson, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Fresno, said it is an honor for her to be part of the historic radio station.

“The KMJ Brand will continue to serve our community and central California through continued focus on relevant content, philanthropy, and ethical business practices. Every day we aspire to be great… and it’s the men and women that work here every day, and have done so for the past 100 years, who deserve all the credit for achieving such a wonderful milestone,” she said.

Program Director Blake Taylor for KMJ said that the station will keep up its efforts to stay around for another century.

It’s been an amazing run, and it’s far from over. KMJ has covered everything from the Harding administration to the Biden White House. Terrible tragedies to inspirational triumphs and everything in between. The service to the public of Fresno and the entire Central Valley of California will continue to be our sole focus for the next 100 years,” Taylor said.