The station was originally owned by Chicago area radio announcer, emcee, and engineer Russell G. Salter, and began broadcasting on September 21, 1960.1961-62 Broadcasting Yearbook, Broadcasting, 1961-1962. p. B-51. Retrieved December 14, 2018. The station initially ran 250 watts during daytime hours only with a three tower directional pattern towards Aurora.Ghrist, John R. (1996). Valley Voices: A Radio History. Crossroads Communications. p. 106-107.History Cards for WKKD, fcc.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2018."WKKD Local Rate Card #7", WKKD. August 1, 1970. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
