In early 1950, the Federal Communications Commission denied an extension of its permit because the owners had indicated they wanted to build the station and sell it immediately.
Branch, and Roy M. Fish, received the construction permit for KBEC in September 1954 and signed the station on in 1955 (with Tuck buying out the remaining partners in 1956).
The station was purchased in July 2011 by Jim and Ann Eklund Phillips' company, Troubadour Communications, from Jeanne Mosley and Sandra Howell.
As an all-cash sale, Garrett retained all common stock, the office building at 711 Ferris Avenue, and the 13.98-acre tower site from Troubadour Communications for $1.05 million.
On May 18, 2023, KBEC began broadcasting a live music show, titled "Lone Star Nights," from the Texas every Thursday evening.