In 1981, a group of Christians in the Tyler area applied for and received a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a non-commercial radio station. On October 29, 1983, 89.5 KVNE began broadcasting 19 hours a day with 50,000 watts of power. "And the rest," as they say, "is history."

^{The 89.5 KVNE staff at sign-on, including Gary Lesniewski (standing,
far left) and station engineer Sans Hawkins (standing next to Gary)}

In 1986, KVNE moved to our current location on E. Erwin Street in Tyler. The move was in anticipation of another non-commercial radio station license being granted by the FCC. That license was granted, and 91.3 KGLY went on the air April 29, 1988.

^{Sans observes construction of the new building}

Also in 1986, the FCC authorized a power increase for KVNE from 50,000 to 100,000 watts. This increase in power, along with the relocation of our antennas to the 950-foot KLTV broadcast tower in Red Springs, extended KVNE's signal throughout East Texas.  KVNE now broadcasts 24 hours a day at 100,000 watts.

In 2001, KVNE and KGLY purchased a digital audio delivery system, improving the quality and consistency of our on-air sound, and allowing our on-air and production staff to focus their attention on serving our listeners better and more creatively.

Since 2004, KVNE.com and KGLY.com have been streaming the live broadcasts of their respective stations, allowing thousands of listeners from dozens of countries all around the world to hear the music and ministry of the stations.

 
^{Sans inspects the 950-foot tower after it collapsed on 2/3/2006}

On February 3, 2006, the tower KVNE shares with KLTV at Red Springs collapsed. Online listening rose dramatically while the tower was being rebuilt and the antennas were repaired.  KVNE returned to full power on the replacement tower 15 months later.

In July 2009, KVNE launched the new KVNE.com, offering visitors more information, more frequent updates, and greater opportunities for interaction with the station's staff.