Biography
Rex Howell was a pioneering force in Colorado broadcasting whose vision helped shape the state’s media landscape. He earned his broadcast engineer’s license at the age of 14 and began his career at Denver’s KFEL before founding his own commercial radio station, KFXJ, in Edgewater in 1926. In 1931, Howell moved KFXJ to Grand Junction, introducing the city’s first radio station. He personally operated the station, covering local events and regional developments across Western Colorado. When the FCC lifted its post-war freeze on new television licenses in 1952, Howell launched KFXJ-TV in 1954—Western Colorado’s first television station—later expanding to include FM service under the unified KREX-AM-FM-TV brand.
Throughout his distinguished career, Howell demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation, community service, and statewide collaboration. He expanded his broadcast footprint with the establishment of KREY in Montrose and KREZ in Durango, forming the XYZ Television group that served as the sole TV network on the Western Slope for 25 years. Recognizing the importance of a unified industry voice, Howell became the first President of the Colorado Broadcasters Association, helping to strengthen the profession statewide. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern broadcasting across Western Colorado and continues to inspire generations of broadcasters who follow in his footsteps.
