08/14/2026
Broadcasting Community:
The Legacy of KNCO & Star 94.1 đź“»
How KNCO & Star 94.1 weave Nevada County’s daily life into a shared soundtrack.
By Mary Anne Davis, GM of Nevada Country Broadcasters, Inc.
For more than four decades, Nevada County Broadcasters has been the steady voice of the foothills—bringing news, music, and connection to listeners through its two stations: KNCO AM 830 and Star 94.1 FM. Together, they haven’t just entertained and informed; they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of everyday life in Grass Valley and across western Nevada County. Day after day, these stations act as a living chronicle—capturing school victories and street fairs, storm warnings and morning commutes—so that the ordinary rhythms of local life become part of the community’s shared memory.
“In every season, KNCO and Star 94.1 sound like home.”
Where It Began
KNCO first signed on in 1978, broadcasting from the second floor of the Holbrooke Hotel with a warm blend of music, local news, and community conversation. In those early years, the station was literally a day timer, on the air only during daylight. As technology advanced, KNCO moved to a stronger signal and extended into the evenings. Over time, the format evolved to news, talk, and sports—cementing KNCO as a trusted local companion.
Just a few years later, in 1982, Nevada County Broadcasters expanded with the launch of Star 94.1 FM. Star’s upbeat adult contemporary mix quickly struck a chord, pairing the hits of the day with timeless favorites. Listeners came to rely on Star 94.1 for the voices behind the mic, local updates, contests, and the friendly energy that brightens commutes and workdays.
Continue reading the story in the Destination Nevada County magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/C6FF9CA8B7A/2026_destination_nc_magazine-tilrfqiunf
