Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
KAYE 1450 AM Radio Station Records
Date(s)
Extent
2 boxes
(1.5 cubic feet)
Name of creator
Biographical history
KAYE 1450 AM is a Puyallup-based radio station that was started in 1951 and which is currently known as KSUH-Hankook. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was involved in a national debate with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about free speech, as the station heavily featured right-wing political topics. Many of the conflicts of the 1960s were discussed on KAYE, such as civil rights, welfare programs, urban renewal, patriotism, socialism, and the antiwar movement. Since these topics were not discussed in a manner that showcased multiple perspectives and leaned heavily to the political right, KAYE was accused of violating the Fairness Doctrine as outlined by the FCC. Thus began a long legal dispute over KAYE's possible suspension and its petition for renewal. In November 1973, after reaching a settlement, Jim Nicholls, the owner of KAYE at the time, agreed to leave the station after which ownership of the station passed to Henry Perozzo. Under Perozzo's ownership, KAYE became KUPY. The station formerly known as KAYE is now KSUH-Hankook. Jean Suh has transformed it into the first Korean-language radio station in Washington. The station now features a range of Korean music, Korean-language news, legal advice, and promotion for local businesses.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection includes newspaper articles, notes, legal records, and other documents about the Puyallup-based radio station, KAYE, and the controversies surrounding some of the individuals involved in the radio station, including Jim Nicholls and Fred Crisman aka Jon Gold. Also included are newspaper clippings about political topics, many of which were controversial topics on KAYE. A large majority of the materials in this collection are legal documents about KAYE's renewal case as well as letters of support for the station, as the station was accused of violating the Fairness Doctrine outlined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Documents from the FCC about its guidelines for radio as well as documents about the Fairness Doctrine are also included.