KMAQ is the area's only locally owned and operated radio station, with no out-of-market consultant or ownership, programmed to the needs of its community.
It bears the distinction of being one of a handful of radio stations across the country today with a live, local, real-time on-air staff.
The construction permit for KMAQ was first issued on October 24, 1956, to Jackson County Broadcasting Company, headed by brothers Nathan and Robert Goetz, and their accountant, Merlin Meythaler.
Bob Brown was the first general manager of the station; Raymond Shields as chief engineer and farm services director; Stan Barton and Dennis Voy as announcers; Duane Wiley as sales representative; and Gitte Bollinger as secretary and receptionist.
In October 1970, following a fire at a neighboring business that caused some damage to studio equipment, KMAQ moved to its current location at 129 North Main Street in Maquoketa.
The station vowed to continue coverage of area events and sports and to retain all current employees through its transition in ownership.