Gene Peterson

Gene Peterson grew up in Culbertson, Montana, and attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis. In January, 1961, his first job, in a fifty year broadcast career, was as a staff announcer at KFBB Radio-Television.

In the fall of 1962, he moved to Missoula and never left. Working first at KGVO and then owning KYLT and Z100. Gene and partner, W.L. (Bill) Holter bought KBLL AM-FM from Governor Tim Babcock, and KPRK in Livingston. After selling KYLT, he was part of the first staff of KTMF TV.

Getting back into radio in 1995, he was the market manager for Marathon Media and continued after they sold to Clear Channel Communications and became part of their 1200 stations.

Gene has served as President of the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, St. Patrick Hospital Advisory Board, University of Montana President’s Council, and President of the Montana Broadcasters.

He has been honored as Businessman of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, and Hugh O’Brien Lifetime Achievement”

His wife, Rose, and daughters, Pamela and Kimberlee, were all involved in the family operation of the radio stations.