The Inner Workings of KVIK Radio

DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski

Les Askelson is the General Manager and locally well-known morning co-host voice at KVIK Radio in Decorah. He will be sharing information on the business and broadcasting developments at the station and provide insight into its day-to-day operations.

Les was born and raised on a farm in northeast Iowa. He graduated from Brown Radio Broadcasting in 1971. He has worked at WCCI in Savannah, IL, KCRG in Cedar Rapids, and KDEC in Decorah. He contributed 20 years of local public service as a County Supervisor for Winneshiek County and served two terms as Chairman, from 1997-2005 and again from 2011-2013 . His familiar voice may be heard as the track announcer for the Upper Iowa Speedway and sub-track announcer at the Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Formerly owned by Wennes Communications, longtime owner Greg Wennes exited the company in 2021 and in the process agreed to give up his 69% stake in six Wennes Communications stations and translators in Decorah and Waukon for $2.5 million in compensation. Concurrently, Les was able to increase his share of the ownership to a majority interest in KVIK and KNEI and retain his role as General Manager.

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**Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email.