KTAR-FM History: From Jazz and Disco to News/Talk Dominance
The evolution of the 92.3 FM frequency in Phoenix is a vivid reflection of the changing tastes of American radio listeners over the last five decades. From its beginnings as a sophisticated jazz outlet to its current status as a news/talk powerhouse, the station has navigated numerous identity shifts, ownership changes, and format flips to remain a staple of the Arizona airwaves.
The Early Years: KXTC and the Disco Era
The station first signed on the air on December 19, 1970, under the call sign KXTC. Owned by the Arizona Communications Corporation, the station initially broadcast from a transmitter located atop the Westward Ho. During this era, KXTC served as an affiliate of the ABC-FM Radio Network, airing a curated blend of contemporary and mainstream jazz.
As cultural trends shifted in 1978, the station pivoted to capitalize on the rising popularity of disco. Rebranding as "Disco 92," the station featured disc jockeys such as Rick Nuhn and Scott Tuchman. However, as the disco craze eventually faded, the station sought a new direction to maintain its audience.
The Country Transition: KJJJ-FM and KEZC
By 1980, the station abandoned disco in favor of country music, adopting the moniker "KC-92." This period marked a series of operational and branding changes. In January 1981, the studios were relocated to Shaw Butte, and by April of that year, the call sign was changed to KJJJ-FM.
In 1982, the station rebranded again as KEZC, which stood for "EZ Country." This format focused on softer hits from the country charts, specifically designed for relaxing environments and office listening. This "Easy Country" approach lasted until 1984, when the station began simulcasting with KJJJ (now known as KGME) and returned to the KJJJ-FM call sign and a mainstream country format.
The Rise of KKFR and "The Fire Station"
A major turning point occurred on September 6, 1985, when the station flipped to KKFR. Initially launching as a gold-based Top 40 outlet known as "The Fire Station, Arizona's 92 Fire FM" (and later "92.3 KKFR, Your Fire Station"), the station quickly became a dominant force in contemporary music.
In 1988, the station attempted to use the slogan "Hot Hits 92.3," but was forced to abandon it due to a trademark dispute with national radio consultant Mike Joseph. Following this, KKFR shifted toward a Rhythmic Contemporary format—a style blending pop, dance, and rhythmic elements—and adopted the name "Power 92," inspired by sister station KPWR in Los Angeles.
Throughout the early 1990s, KKFR engaged in fierce competition with KOY-FM and KZZP. By September 1993, after its competitors shifted formats, KKFR became the sole Top 40-oriented station in the market. Despite high ratings, the station experimented with Mainstream Top 40 and Modern Rock in late 1993, though this led to a dip in listenership. The station regained its audience by re-introducing dance and rhythmic music in early 1995, eventually transitioning fully into an R&B and Hip-Hop approach by 1997.
Ownership Shifts and the Move to 98.3 FM
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a series of corporate acquisitions. Chancellor Media purchased the station from The Broadcast Group in 1998. Following a merger with Clear Channel Communications, the station was divested to comply with FCC ownership regulations and was bought by Emmis Communications in 2000, rebranding as "Power 92.3."
In 2006, a significant split occurred. The intellectual property of KKFR was acquired by the Riviera Broadcast Group. On September 1, 2006, a new KKFR was launched on the 98.3 FM frequency (licensed to Mayer), where it continues to operate as a "rimshot" station—a station whose signal reaches a major city from a distant transmitter—airing a rhythmic contemporary format.
The Birth of KTAR-FM
While the KKFR brand moved to 98.3 FM, the 92.3 frequency entered a new era. In 2006, Emmis sold the station to Bonneville International. Bonneville decided to migrate the successful news/talk format from KTAR (620 AM) to the FM dial. On September 18, 2006, the station officially became KTAR-FM.
This transition allowed the 620 AM frequency to merge its programming with KMVP, the local ESPN Radio affiliate. By January 1, 2007, the AM station became "Arizona Sports 620." Over the following years, the sports format continued to evolve, moving to 98.7 FM in early 2014, while the 620 AM frequency became "ESPN Phoenix 620 AM." In March 2017, the 860 AM frequency was divested to the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
Key Facts
- First Sign-on: December 19, 1970, as KXTC.
- Format Evolution: Transitioned from Jazz → Disco → Country → Top 40/Rhythmic → News/Talk.
- The "Power" Era: KKFR operated as "Power 92.3," specializing in Rhythmic Contemporary and Hip-Hop.
- Current Identity: Became KTAR-FM on September 18, 2006, after the news/talk format moved from AM to FM.
- Corporate Ownership: Key owners included Arizona Communications Corp, Chancellor Media, Emmis Communications, and Bonneville International.
| Period | Call Sign | Primary Format | Notable Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 – 1977 | KXTC | Mainstream/Contemporary Jazz | ABC-FM Affiliate |
| 1978 – 1979 | KXTC | Disco | Disco 92 |
| 1980 – 1985 | KJJJ-FM / KEZC | Country / Easy Country | KC-92 / EZ Country |
| 1985 – 2006 | KKFR | Top 40 / Rhythmic / Hip-Hop | The Fire Station / Power 92.3 |
| 2006 – Present | KTAR-FM | News/Talk | KTAR-FM |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the station switch to the KTAR-FM call sign?
The station officially became KTAR-FM on September 18, 2006, after Bonneville International moved the news/talk format from 620 AM to the 92.3 FM frequency.
What happened to the KKFR brand after 2006?
The KKFR intellectual property was acquired by the Riviera Broadcast Group and moved to the 98.3 FM frequency, licensed to Mayer, where it continues to air a rhythmic contemporary format.
What was "EZ Country"?
EZ Country was a format used under the call sign KEZC starting in 1982, focusing on softer country hits designed for relaxing and office listening.
Why did KKFR drop the "Hot Hits" slogan?
KKFR was forced to drop the "Hot Hits 92.3" branding in 1988 because the slogan was owned nationally by radio consultant Mike Joseph.
How did the 620 AM frequency change after KTAR moved to FM?
After the news/talk programming moved to KTAR-FM, the 620 AM frequency became "Arizona Sports 620" and later "ESPN Phoenix 620 AM."