WKST-FM

Infobox Radio Station


name = WKST
airdate = 1960
frequency = 96.1 MHZ HD Radio
96.1 HD-2 for Dance hits
city = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
area = Western Pennsylvania | format = Rhythmic-leaning Top 40
owner = Clear Channel Communications
erp = 44,000 watts
haat = 159 meters
branding = "96.1 KISS"
slogan =
class = B
facility_id = 65678
webcast = [http://www.961kiss.com/cc-common/streaming_new/index.html?refreshed=yes Listen Live]
website = [http://www.961kiss.com/ 96.1 KISS' website]
callsign_meaning = KISS (The T subsitutes for the second S)
Citations missing|article|date=December 2007

WKST-FM (96.1 Kiss), is a rhythmic-leaning top 40 outlet based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Owned by Clear Channel Communications, the station broadcasts at 96.1 MHz, with an ERP of 44 kW. Its transmitter is located in Baldwin.

History

The station originally signed on as WTAE-FM, co-owned with WTAE AM and TV, and had a MOR format until 1976, when it simulcast WTAE (AM) during the day and played disco at night, known as "Disco 96." As disco began to wane in popularity, the station flipped to a rock-leaning top 40 format as WXKX (96KX or "96 Kicks"). 96KX thrived for the next five years and has been the frequency's most highly-rated format to date. In 1983, faced with new competition from WBZZ (B-94), the station changed format and call letters, and became WHTX, better known as "Hit Radio 96". This station evolved, in the latter part of the decade, into a gold-based adult contemporary format under the name of "Gold 96".

In 1991 it switched calls to WVTY ("Variety 96") and format to an adult top 40 approach, which in turn would lead to a modern hits format and new calls WDRV ("The River") in 1996. After it was sold in 1997 WDRV returned to adult top 40, this time as WPHH ("Mix 96.1"). On September 30, 2000, they switched to the current format and became the current WKST-FM, "96.1 Kiss". During its first four years, WKST waged a battle with WBZZ from 2000 to 2004 by countering WBZZ's conventional Top 40/CHR approach with WKST's Rhythmic flavor. In 2007 the rivalry resumed again when CBS revived "B94" and has begun using the same conventional direction by going after the same 18-34 audience that WKST has managed to cater.

The "Freak Show"

The Freak Show with Mikey and Big Bob was originally an evening show that originated from Detroit's 93.1 DRQ, and later Philadelphia's Q102, with the same named show and originally led by Tic Tak. Today, Tic Tak is no longer a part of the show, and the Morning Freak Show caters to a young adult crowd.

(Source: http://kissnation.961kiss.com/freakshow)

WKST HD2

On April 25, 2006, Clear Channel announced that WKST's HD2 subchannel will carry a format focusing on Dance hits. The HD2 signed on July 17, 2006, broadcasting the Club Phusion format.

External links

* [http://www.961kiss.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.961kiss.com/cc-common/hdradio/ "Club Phusion" on WKST-HD2]
*FMQ|WKST
*FML|WKST
*FMARB|WKST