In the late 80′s, and the very early 90′s, Phoenix was one of the best markets for fans of the CHR format. Nationwide Communications’ heritage KZZP found itself in a heated battle with Edens Broadcasting’s Y95 (KOY-FM) and The Broadcast Group’s Power 92 (KKFR).
KZZP dominated for most of the 80′s. But with changes in management, personalities, and pop music tastes — ratings dropped significantly in the early 90′s, leading to a format and name change in April 1991.
Y95, capitalizing on the changes and later demise of KZZP, enjoyed ratings success at the start of the decade. But in late 1992, the station moved in a different direction, bringing in new personalities and tinkering with its Rhythmic-leaning playlist. Specifically – the station began using a dayparted approach, leaning towards Hot AC during the day, and emphasizing less mainstream modern rock/hip-hop/dance music during nighttime hours. A few months later, the station somewhat reverted to its previous sound, but the end result was an unfocused mess, low ratings, and ultimately a format change (preceded by stunting) in early September 1993.
This left KKFR and its hip-hop/R&B focused Rhythmic CHR format without any direct competition. Heard on this montage is a sample of KKFR about 6 weeks after it became “The Valley’s Only Hit Music Station”.
Despite its impressive ratings, the station elected to move towards a Modern Rock-based Mainstream CHR format in mid-December 1993.
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