KTRM was originally envisioned in 1975, when the Department of Language and Literature sought to establish a 100,000 watt FM station. The university, however, decided to pursue an unlicensed operation, regulated by Part 15 of FCC code. Under the letters KNEU (for Northeast Missouri State University, Truman's previous name), the station debuted in October 1975 at 1600 AM. Because the power levels allowed by Part 15 only resulted in a small coverage area, transmitters were purchased for each residence hall.
