Arkansas Radio Network


Arkansas Radio Network is a statewide radio network serving radio stations in the state of Arkansas. ARN is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas operating from its flagship station KARN-FM and is under the ownership of Cumulus Media.

History

ARN began their broadcasting activities in 1967 and has since then provided affiliates in Arkansas top news headlines, agriculture business news, sports, and specialty programming.
The Network started as the Delta Farm Network, an early morning program by KARK Farm Director Bob Buice, who also appeared on KARK-TV. Known for his velvet-like voice, he also did a weekend program on the Network for many years called "Uncle Bob's Stories from the Bible".
The network later expanded to include the "AP&L Live Better Electrically Hour", a program of music played in the late morning and broadcast over KARK-FM's 100 kW signal. Ted Snider purchased KARK AM-FM from Mullins Broadcasting and founded the Arkansas Radio Network with newscasts provided by KARK-TV Newscasters and Sportscaster Jim Elder. KARK was distributed by KARK-FM or by relays through other FM stations.
ARN's growth came in the early 1980s, when distribution moved to satellite, and the number of affiliates grew into the 70s. ARN was a staple across the state in the 1980s and 1990s, with the newscast broadcast at :55 minutes past each hour.
Bob Buice was succeeded as Ag Director by John Philpot, and later by Stewert Doan.