On February 16, 1961, the station first signed on as KHQ-FM. It was the FM counterpart to AM 590 KHQ. The two radio stations, and Channel 6KHQ-TV, were owned by The Spokesman-Review, a daily newspaper in Spokane. At first, KHQ-FM simulcast the AM station, but it soon switched to an automated beautiful music format. In the early 1970s, KHQ-FM flipped to a Top 40 format. At first, the contemporary version of KHQ-FM was also largely automated, but over time, DJs were added. In the 1970s, most radios were still not able to receive FM signals, and Spokane already had two popular Top 40 stations, AM 790KJRB and AM 970 KREM. At first, KHQ-FM was not much of a factor in the ratings. But as more listeners acquired FM radios, the station's ratings improved. Eventually, the AM stations switched to other formats.
KISC Debuts
In 1985, KHQ Incorporated decided to keep its TV station but sold off the radio stations to Lilac City Broadcasting. In those days, call signs could not be shared if the different stations were not co-owned. KHQ-TV kept its call letters, while the radio stations switched. The AM station became KLSN and the FM station became KISC, known as "Kiss-FM 98." In 1984, former album rock station 92.9 KREM-FM became Top 40 KZZU. KISC and KZZU were locked in a battle as Spokane's two big Top 40 outlets on FM. As hard rock and rap music began to dominate the Top 40 charts, KISC shifted to Adult Top 40 and eventually to an upbeat Adult Contemporary format. KISC aired a popular locally based Love Notes request show like the Delilah love songs program they air today. In the 1990s, KISC would take pot shots at 99.9 KXLY-FM, which had made the transition from easy listening to soft adult contemporary. KISC accused KXLY-FM of playing too much "soft sleepy music." When KXLY-FM flipped to Adult Alternative and then to Country music, KISC became Spokane's only mainstream adult contemporary station. In March 2020, KISC's HD2 sub-channel dropped "UP! 98.1 HD2" and adopted the country format of KZFS and the "Kix 99.3" branding. Subsequently, KZFS began simulcasting on new translator 101.5 K268DL and flipped to classic hip hop.
Changes in Ownership
In 1996, KISC and AM 590, then called KAQQ, were bought by Triathlon Broadcasting. But Triathlon only controlled the stations for three years. In 1999, ownership passed to AMFM Broadcasting. AMFM was later acquired by Clear Channel Communications, the forerunner to current owner iHeartMedia.
