It is owned by Midwest Communications, Inc.[2] Originally issued a construction permit under the call sign KGSS in 1936,[3] KELO signed on September 5, 1937, on 1200 kHz, under the ownership of the Sioux Falls Broadcasting Association, also the owner of KSOO.

[3] It moved to its current frequency May 2, 1948, and concurrently increased its power from 250 watts to 5 kW.

KELO-TV was co-owned with KELO radio from 1953 until 1995, when Midcontinent sold the TV station to Young Broadcasting.

(Nexstar Media Group is the current owner of KELO-TV today.

The Backyard Broadcasting group would be sold to its current owner, Midwest Communications, in 2012.