On Sunday morning, visitors to Medicine Bow stopped by a modest one‑room structure near the historic Virginian Hotel and discovered Wyoming’s newest—and likely smallest—radio station. The station, identified on the façade as KBHC 101.1 FM and branded “Bunkhouse Country and Podcast,” began regular over‑the‑air service in September 2025 after the Federal Communications Commission approved a technical downgrade that moved the transmitter from Saratoga to Medicine Bow.
Local signal, limited reach
Operating at just 100 watts, KBHC’s signal is designed to cover the town of Medicine Bow and its immediate environs, a radius of roughly nine miles under optimal conditions. The low‑power setup reflects the station’s community‑oriented mission rather than a commercial ambition to reach a broader market.
Automation and future plans
Inside the tiny studio, a computer runs the music playlist on autopilot, with occasional human oversight to adjust the format or handle advertising sales. The station is owned by Bunkhouse Network, LLC, a company licensed to Nanette Valdez‑Schwart. While no online streaming service currently carries KBHC, the owners have hinted at the possibility of adding a digital stream if the station expands its audience.
Connecting to local heritage
KBHC joins a town already rich in aviation history. Recent volunteer clean‑up efforts at the Medicine Bow Airport—an early 20th‑century airmail hub featured in Owen Wister’s novel “The Virginian”—highlight the community’s dedication to preserving its unique heritage. The airport, once a critical waypoint for early pilots and the Lincoln Highway, continues to attract enthusiasts like Colorado‑based YouTuber Nathan James, who documents his restoration adventures.
What this means for residents
For Medicine Bow’s 245 residents, the new station offers a locally produced voice that can spotlight community events, local businesses, and regional news without the interference of distant media conglomerates. As the town works to maintain its historic airstrip and promote tourism, KBHC 101.1 FM may become an additional platform for sharing the town’s story.
Listeners can tune in on the FM dial at 101.1 MHz. For updates on programming or potential online streaming, residents are encouraged to contact the station directly.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
