Jim Kallas started his radio career over 40 years ago, while studying Mass Communications at Black Hills State, and as a part-time announcer at KDSJ 980 AM in Deadwood. From there he moved to on-air nights as part of the legendary KSKY (KSQY) line-up broadcasting from the bank building on historic Main Street, downtown Deadwood. After a change in station management, Jim was hired away to work as Operations Manager for Duhamel Broadcasting. This included the evolution of what would become today’s Eagle Country and the next legendary Black Hills rock station, XROCK. With the sale of Duhamel to Riverfront Broadcasting in 2018, Jim would be eventually tapped to lead as General Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations of Spearfish and Rapid City stations. Add in the acquiring of KDSJ and the moving of their Deadwood operations at 745 Main Street to Spearfish at 2827 East Colorado Boulevard, the remodel/renovation of the Spearfish studios, along with various engineering upgrades AND the move of the Rapid City studios and offices from downtown at 518 St. Joseph Street to 1116 Jackson Boulevard. Through it all Jim has maintained his easy-going, approachable manner and super-positive demeanor as he continues to focus on the big picture while at the same time, executing a myriad of small details on a daily basis in programming, sales, AND engineering to ensure continued success of Riverfront’s 6 station Black Hills operation.
Jim’s had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented people in radio which means he’s also worked with some very extreme personalities! HR nightmares? Bring ‘em on! Jim’s been there, done that, got the t-shirt all while remaining calm and steady. But he’s also been instrumental in developing talent in critical roles. Jim’s superpower is his uncanny ability to plug the right person into just the right job description. Jim knows there’s a magical thing that happens when the right person meets their perfect job. Suddenly they’re free to work on their strengths… bringing more value and positive impact to the organization. Where once handcuffed by constantly having to address weaknesses, now they’re able to use their unique, individual giftedness to continually exceed expectations and quietly driving a culture of superior performance rarely found outside major markets. Through it all, Jim has maintained his unfettered love of radio, volunteering to fill in on air at a moment’s notice, no matter what format or time of day–or filling in on play-by-play. Jim’s still that same tall, lanky kid behind the mic with a contagious enthusiasm that cannot be faked.
Jim and his wife, Charleen, have a daughter, Jessica, and reside in Spearfish.