Ad Astra Radio has built a strong legacy as a true hometown broadcasting network, serving communities across Kansas with a personal and local touch. With 11 radio stations and 15 signals covering much of Central Kansas, the company has become a major presence in the region while maintaining its family-owned roots.
Four of those stations—KMCP 98.9 FM, KMCP 1540 AM, KLBG 95.5 FM, and KMPK 96.7 FM—are based in McPherson, where the studio at 411 E. Euclid operates as a hub for local news, music, and community engagement. Owner Chris Shank reflected on the company’s journey, saying, “We started in ’86… this is the 40th year in business,” adding that it’s especially meaningful to be part of stations with even deeper histories, noting, “KMCP started in 1949… it’s kind of neat when you have the opportunity to be a part of the place that’s been around for a long time.”
The stations themselves offer a wide range of programming tailored to their audiences, including formats like Classic Rock, Adult Contemporary, and Country. KMPK – Mix 96.7 FM, for example, plays familiar hits from the 1980s through today while keeping listeners informed with local news, sports coverage, and broadcasts of Kansas City Chiefs games. Community-focused programming is central to Ad Astra Radio’s mission, from daily updates delivered by local staff like News & Public Affairs Director Lucky Kidd to interactive shows like Swap Shop on KMCP, where listeners can buy, sell, and connect. Beyond traditional broadcasting, the company is also expanding its reach through projects like a new digital billboard in McPherson, designed to keep residents informed about local happenings and events.
Despite the growth of digital media, radio remains a powerful force, something Shank emphasized with industry statistics: “93% of Americans listen to the radio on a monthly basis… on a weekly basis 84% of Americans listen.” He also highlighted the depth of listener engagement, noting the average American tunes in for more than 100 minutes a day. For Ad Astra Radio, those numbers reinforce the importance of staying connected to the community. Shank summed up the company’s philosophy by saying, “Progress happens when people work together… when we say yes to each other, that’s how good things happen.” That commitment to collaboration, local business support, and community storytelling continues to define Ad Astra Radio as more than just a broadcaster—it’s a vital part of the towns it serves. To learn more about Ad Astra Radio visit their website at adastraradio.com. To see photos from Chamber Connections hosted by Ad Astra Radio go here.
