- KBFB
Infobox Radio station
name = KBFB
city =Dallas, Texas
area =Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
branding = "97.9 The Beat"
slogan = "The Hip-Hop Station"
airdate = 1947 as WFAA
frequency = 97.9 MHz
HD Radio
format =Urban Contemporary
power =
erp = 99,000watt s
haat = 491meter s
class = C
facility_id = 9627
callsign_meaning = The B is taken from "B-97.9," former rock station
former_callsigns = WFAA (1947-1973), KZEW (1973-1990), KKWM (1990-1991), KLRX (1991-1993), KRRW (1993-1997)
owner = Radio One
licensee = Radio One Licenses, LLC
webcast = [http://Wm-eon.vitalstreamcdn.com/live_eonwmss_vitalstream_com_radioone-kbfb-fm-fast Listen Live]
website = [http://www.979thebeat.com/ www.979thebeat.com]
affiliations =
sister_stations =KSOC KBFB, "97.9 The Beat", is a Dallas/Fort Worth-based
radio station with anUrban Contemporary musical format. It is owned by Radio One with sister stationUrban AC KSOC-FM 94.5 "K-Soul". Its transmitter is located inCedar Hill, Texas .History
Before the Urban music began, it started out as KZEW "The Zoo" in 1973, playing classic and progressive rock music for almost 2 decades. In 1990, the station switched formats to a light rock station and changed branding to KKWM "Warm 97.9". A Year later, the station changed callsign and station nickname again to KLRX "Lite 97.9" while maintaining its light rock format.
In 1993, the station was bought by Infinity/CBS Radio and formats were switched back to progressive rock and rebranded KRRW "Arrow 97.9". In 1997, the station switched formats back to soft rock/adult contemporary music and renamed KBFB "B-97.9" before making its final change to mainstream hip-hop as "97.9 The Beat" in 2000 after the station was sold to Radio One. Since "The Beat's" launch, the station has been in direct competition against longtime heritage Urban station KKDA. In addition to KKDA, they also have a competitor in
Rhythmic Contemporary rivalKZZA , which just shifted from aHispanic Rhythmic direction and in early 2007 lured KBFB staffer DJ Miracle over to their station for nights.And despite its Urban format, KBFB leaned more Rhythmic until recently (it is now on Radio & Records'
Urban Contemporary Airplay panel ). In the beginning, the station was home toRuss Parr in the Morning (of whom he started his radio career at defunct KJMZ in the Metroplex). Later, it was home toSteve Harvey in the mornings from 2003-2005 through a syndicated simulcast from its sister station in Los Angeles,KKBT (also nicknamed The Beat). Eventually, Radio One let Harvey go due to contract disputes (he is now onKRNB ), and now KBFB is the flagship of theRickey Smiley Morning Show.Former Station Logos
External links
* [http://www.979thebeat.com/ Official website]
*FMQ|KBFB
*FML|KBFB
*FMARB|KBFB
* [http://www.dfwradioarchives.com/ DFWRadioArchives]
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