WKGS

Infobox Radio Station


name = WKGS
airdate = 1992
frequency = 106.7 MHZ
city = Irondequoit, New York
area = Rochester, New York | format = Rhythmic-leaning Top 40
owner = Clear Channel Communications
erp = 3,500 watts
branding = "KISS 106.7"
slogan =
class = A
website = [http://www.kiss1067.com KISS 106.7's website]
callsign_meaning = KGS = KISS

WKGS ("KISS 106.7") is a Rhythmic-leaning Mainstream Top 40 station licensed to Irondequoit, New York and serves the Rochester area. The Clear Channel Communications outlet broadcasts at 106.7 MHz with an ERP of 3.5 kW. The station is also one of two Top 40s serving Rochester, the other being WPXY, whom they have competed against since 1999.

History

The 106.7 frequency was one of the first "Docket 80-90" drop-in FM channels to sign on in the Rochester market. A construction permit for the channel was granted to Auburn Cablevision of Auburn, New York in 1990, initially under the calls WQHJ and then WOSB. New calls WMAX-FM were granted on March 5, 1992, and the station signed on shortly thereafter from studios at 412 State Street in Rochester and a transmitter atop the Seneca Towers apartment building on Seth Green Drive in Rochester.

WMAX-FM was the first adult album alternative station in the market, quickly developing a cult following despite limited signal reach in the outlying suburbs.

In 1996, Auburn Cablevision purchased WLKA (102.3) in Canandaigua, New York, converting the station to a simulcast of WMAX-FM as "106.7 and 102.3 the Max" and extending the format's reach into the southeastern Rochester suburbs and northern Finger Lakes region. WLKA changed calls to WMHX on February 19, 1996.

In 1997, Auburn Cablevision sold WMAX-FM, WMHX and sister station WRCD to Jacor Communications (which was soon absorbed by Clear Channel Communications), which moved the station to its studios in Rochester's Midtown Plaza.

On February 18, 1998, "The Max" was replaced with an automated soft adult contemporary format known as "Sunny." On March 1, 1998, WMAX-FM changed call letters to WYSY, with WMHX becoming WISY. (The WMAX-FM call letters were moved to the former WRCD on 107.3.)

While "Sunny" continued on 102.3 (known later as WVOR), 106.7 changed format again on May 1, 1999, becoming WKGS and picking up the "Kiss 107" top-40 format that had been heard on 107.3. While most airshifts were either automated or voicetracked from other Clear Channel stations, WKGS did eventually add a local morning show featuring Erick "E-Man" Andersen, formerly of sister station WNVE.

External links

* [http://www.kiss1067.com KISS 106.7's website]
*FMQ|WKGS
*FML|WKGS
*FMARB|WKGS