The station began its operations in 1952. It originally had the call sign KVNC ("Voice of Navaho County"), licensed to Gila Broadcasting Co., and broadcast at the 1010 AM frequency.[4][5][6] In 1960, Gila had intended to sell KVNC and four other stations to Earl Perrin, Jr., of Chicago.[7] However, the stations went dark on October 29, 1960 after several conflicts with the FCC.[8][9] The stations were ultimately sold to Carleton W. Morris for $100,000 USD, which led to Morris asking the FCC for permission to set up new stations with the former Gila facilities in August 1962.[10][11] The former call letters were then canceled on January 17, 1963.[12]
Under the ownership of Morris, the station received the call sign of KINO and formally moved to the 1230 AM frequency in 1963. The station was then sold to former KABI sports host Loy Engelhardt, who moved in from Abilene, Kansas with the desire to own a radio station.[13][14]