KATM-FM

KATM 100.7 “The Kat” was the Pueblo-licensed FM that became a major Colorado Springs competitor from the late 1980s through 1992.

The 100.7 facility had previously operated as KZLO. Trade call-sign records show the change from KZLO to KATM-FM in 1986. By spring 1988, The Kat had moved its operating focus into Colorado Springs and was competing directly with KIKX and, later that year, KKMG.

KATM initially programmed mainstream Top 40. As KKMG’s dance-leaning CHR quickly gained ground, KATM shifted toward a harder Rock 40 approach. A Sept. 2, 1989 Billboard market profile described KATM as caught between CHR and KILO’s dominant album-rock position. PD Doug Sorenson, who had arrived in February 1989 from WBZZ/B94 Pittsburgh, said the station moved toward the underserved younger rock audience. The article showed KATM rising from a 4.8 to a 7.5 share 12+ during that period.

An Album Network directory dated Sept. 13, 1989 identifies KATM as “The Kat, Colorado’s Rock Hits” at 6760 Corporate Dr., Suite 340, Colorado Springs. The staff snapshot listed GM Tricia York, PD Doug Sorenson, APD/Promotion Director Kevin Burchfield and Music Director Tom Fricke.

In March 1990, Billboard reported that Sorenson transferred to KATT/Oklahoma City. Kevin Burchfield moved into the KATM programming role and Dave Milne moved from nights to mornings. By June 1990 trade listings identified Burchfield as PD and Jennifer Bell as Music Director. By August, Mark Blake was listed as PD with Bell remaining MD.

The 1991 Broadcasting Yearbook continued to list KATM at 6760 Corporate Drive, Suite 340, with Trisha York as GM, Mark Blake as PD and Jennifer Bell as MD. The station was still officially listed as CHR, although trade coverage shows its music had moved further into rock. In August 1991, Billboard reported that KATM had completed its transition from Rock 40 to full album rock.

Salem Communications purchased the station for approximately $950,000 in 1992. The KATM staff largely exited during the sale process, and the station became KGFT with a Christian talk-and-teaching format.

Studio / Facility Timeline

• Before 1988: the 100.7 facility operated from Pueblo during its KZLO/early KATM era; the exact pre-move studio street address remains to be established from a primary directory.
• 1988–1991: 6760 Corporate Dr., Suite 340, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. This address is documented in the 1989 and 1991 Broadcasting Yearbooks and the 1989 Album Network directory.
• 1992: Salem acquired the station and converted it to KGFT.

Paired / sister stations: KATM was co-owned with KDZA 1230 during the Surrey era. The 100.7 facility had originated as KZLO, sister to KDZA, and its successor is KGFT.

Sources: Broadcasting Yearbook, 1989 and 1991; Billboard, Sept. 2, 1989, Mar. 17, 1990 and Aug. 31, 1991; Album Network, Sept. 13, 1989; Hitmakers, June–Aug. 1990; FCC call-sign history; Duncan’s Radio Market Guide, 1993.