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| Broadcast area | Denver metropolitan area |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 103.5MHz (HD Radio) |
| Branding | 103.5 The Fox |
| Programming | |
| Format | Classic rock |
| Subchannels | HD2:KHOWsimulcast (talk) |
| Affiliations | Denver Broncos |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| KBCO,KBPI,KDFD,KHOW,KOA,KDHT,KTCL,KWBL | |
| History | |
First air date | June 1,1961 (as KOA-FM) |
Former call signs |
|
Call sign meaning | "Fox" |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 29731 |
| Class | C0 |
| ERP | 100,000watts |
| HAAT | 346 meters (1,135 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 39°43′59.00″N105°14′10.00″W / 39.7330556°N 105.2361111°W /39.7330556; -105.2361111 (KRFX) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live Listen Live (HD2) |
| Website | thefox |
KRFX (103.5FM) is an Americancommercialradio station inDenver, Colorado, serving theDenver metropolitan area. It is owned byiHeartMedia, and airs aclassic rockradio format. The KRFX studios and offices are located on South Monaco Street in theDenver Tech Center. The stationtransmitter is atopLookout Mountain, nearGolden, more than 7,000 feet (2256 m) above sea level and 1,135 feet (346 m) inheight above average terrain. Itseffective radiated power is 100,000watts.
KRFX broadcasts in theHD Radio format, with its HD2 subchannelsimulcasting the programming of co-ownedtalk stationKHOW.[1] KRFX can also be heard online viaiHeartRadio.
On June 1, 1961, the station firstsigned on as KOA-FM, the FM counterpart toKOA.[2] Both stations were owned by the Metropolitan Television Company.
The two stationssimulcast afull servicemiddle of the road (MOR) format, withCBS Radio News at the beginning of most hours. KOA-AM-FM shared broadcast facilities at 1044 Lincoln Street, three blocks south of the state capitol, with their co-owned television station, KOA-TV (nowKCNC).
After several years, the simulcast ended, and KOA-FM began airing abeautiful music format. In July 1968, KOA-AM-FM-TV was purchased byGeneral Electric Broadcasting.[citation needed]
In 1974, KOA-FM flipped toTop 40 as "Q103" KOAQ. As listening to hit music switched from AM to FM, Q103 became one of Denver's top-rated stations during the 1980s. Jack Regan was the station's long-time program director and morning DJ. Alan Sledge was the music director, and middayDJ. He later added assistant PD duties. Vic Martin held down afternoons until 1982, followed by Barry James of Yes95! in Cincinnati. James took over MD/APD duties upon Sledge's departure. James left in 1988, and was followed by Bill Hessin, who a few years earlier had worked nights onKIMN as "Long John Ball". Other Q103 personalities included Nick Sommers, Tom Chase (Tom Villagrana), Don MacLeod and Scott Morrison.[citation needed]
In September 1983, General Electric sold KOA and KOAQ to theA. H. Belo Corporation ofDallas for $22 million.[3] Lee Larson was selected as the new general manager, coming to Denver fromKLOS inLos Angeles. In June 1984, KOA and KOAQ moved to new offices and studios located at 1380 Lawrence Street, leaving their TV sister station at the Lincoln Street facility.
With KOAQ competing with two rival Top 40 stations in 1986, the station segued to anadult contemporary music format.
In 1987,Jacor Communications purchased KOA and KOAQ for $24 million. Bob Visotcky was appointed general manager of KOAQ, while Lee Larson continued at the helm of KOA.[4]
After nearly 14 years playing some kind of pop music format, on January 18, 1989, KOAQ flipped toclassic rock, taking the newcall sign KRFX, and rebranded as "103.5 The Fox", one of several stations in the U.S. using the brand "The Fox".
In late 1995, whensister stationKBPI began playing mostly newactive rock, KRFX added some more recent rock titles. At the same time, air personality Steve Cooper of KBPI replaced Tom Little at night.[5]
In May 1999, Clear Channel Communications acquired KOA and KRFX when Jacor stations were absorbed by the company.[6] In 2014, Clear Channel switched its name toiHeartMedia.