Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Leighton Broadcasting, the parent company of KDLM and other lakes area radio stations, hosted its corporate members from across the Midwest region to celebrate 60 years of broadcasting for the company.
Stakeholders met at the new station home for Leighton Broadcasting off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes for an anniversary reception and tour of the new facilities.
Jeff Leighton, general manager for Leighton Broadcasting in Detroit Lakes, said the transformation of the vacant building to a multi-station broadcast facility was something special to take part in.
Bob Leighton, right, president and CEO of Leighton Broadcasting, and Jeff Leighton, left, general manager for Leighton Broadcasting in Detroit Lakes, speak to event attendees outside their new broadcast facility during the 60th anniversary party for the company in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
“(The building) really even exceeded our expectations when we started,” said Leighton. “If you would’ve seen this thing, it was literally like a wide-open pull shed, if you want to call it that.”
The new building will house: KDLM, Real Country KRCQ, Wave 104 and TV3 who are all expected to move into their new studios over the summer.
“Overall, it took a lot of great people to put this together,” he said. “From my contractors to all the different various businesses that helped us put it all together and thank you guys for coming to kind of take a peek at it. We’re very proud of (the new building) and we want this to really be the signature of what Leighton Broadcasting stands for.”
Bob Leighton, president and CEO of Leighton Broadcasting, told the attendees how the company started in Detroit Lakes 60 years ago with the purchase of a single AM radio station.
Bob Leighton, left, president and CEO of Leighton Broadcasting, and Jeff Leighton, right, general manager for Leighton Broadcasting in Detroit Lakes, cut the ribbon outside their new broadcast facility during the 60th anniversary party for the company in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
“Sixty years ago is when my parents, Al and Jean Leighton, founded Leighton Enterprises,” said Bob Leighton. “And it all started right here in Detroit Lakes, KDLM, a single AM radio station.”
He also said the company has been laying the foundation for future expansion and growth by branching into related fields.
“This is my parent’s legacy and legacy is powerful,” he said. “In historical terms, it’s something we’re compelled to honor and uphold and build upon. Since 2007, we’ve gone from three markets to seven; developed a full-service in-bound marketing agency; a full-service promotional products division in Magnetic Spark; a full-service digital division with Leighton Engage; and a full-service events division in Leighton Events. All are key elements to sustained growth for years to come.”
The control board sits in the new KDLM studio off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM Radio)
The control board sits in the new KRCQ studio off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM Radio)
Members of Leighton Broadcasting attend the 60th anniversary party for the company at their new broadcast facility off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
The control board sits in the production studio off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM Radio)
Members of Leighton Events draw raffle prize winners during the 60th anniversary party for Leighton Broadcasting at their new broadcast facility off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
Members of Leighton Broadcasting check out the new KDLM studio during the 60th anniversary party for the company at their new broadcast facility off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
Members of Leighton Broadcasting attend the 60th anniversary party for the company at their new broadcast facility off Randolph Road in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
Bob Leighton, left, president and CEO of Leighton Broadcasting, and Jeff Leighton, right, general manager for Leighton Broadcasting in Detroit Lakes, smile as they view the exterior of their new broadcast facility during the 60th anniversary party for the company in Detroit Lakes on June 7, 2023. (Michael Achterling / KDLM News)
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