KAYE records, 1968-1973

KAYE was a radio station that operated out of Puyallup, Washington. From its opening in 1951 to 1968 KAYE changed leadership numerous times and was led by Henry Perozzo starting in 1953. The station was taken over by Jim Nicholls and Hayden Blair in 1968. Nicholls, a radical right wing fundamentalist preacher served as station manager from 1968 to 1973. He was known for his passionate anti-communist beliefs and support for the Vietnam War. Nicholls vocally opposed the civil rights movements as well as Tacoma's council-manager form of government. During his tenure, Nicholls broadcasted criticism against any topic he perceived as potentially communist, including Tacoma governance, interracial dating, and urban renewal. The station supported Tacoma Mayor A. L. (Slim) Rasmussen in a long running battle with City Manager Dave Rowlands. On KAYE broadcasts during this period, Rowlands was labeled numerous times as a dictator and a tyrant. Consequently, the Puget Sound Committee for Good Broadcasting challenged KAYE's FCC license in 1970. The petitioners claimed the radio station violated the Fairness Doctrine. The FCC denied the station's request for renewal after three years of numerous petitions and hearings. Nicholls finally left the station in 1973 after legal disputes with Perozzo over ownership of KAYE and Perozzo resumed leadership of the station and reestablished it as KUPY.

Source: HistoryLink.org