WIBW's time as a portable station was brief. In early February 1927 it began broadcasting from the Connor Hotel in Joplin, Missouri. It was still under the management of Donald Harrell. However, on Mother's Day, May 8, it began transmitting under the sponsorship of the "Topeka Daily Capital" from the Jayhawk Theatre. The studios were located at Tenth and Kansas streets. The debut program, organized by Y.M.C.A. secretary Lyle O. Armel, was described as a benefit for "Flood Sufferers Through Red Cross".