The 95.7 FM lineage began December 15, 1966 as KMYR on 95.5 MHz, owned by Karlo Broadcasting. It moved to 95.7 and increased to 100,000 watts around 1970. After Doubleday acquired the operation, the station became KHOW-FM.
The frequency became Top 40 KXKX in 1977, returned to KHOW-FM with progressive rock in 1980, then launched “All Hit 96” KPKE on July 19, 1983. KPKE became a major Denver CHR competitor before switching to soft AC as KSYY “Sunny 95.7” in June 1987.
After another KHOW-FM period, the station became KHIH in 1993 with smooth jazz. KHIH lasted until 2000, when the frequency moved through later contemporary and Spanish-language identities.
Lineage: KMYR-FM → KHOW-FM → KXKX → KHOW-FM → KPKE → KSYY → KHOW-FM → KHIH.
Sources: 1967 Broadcasting Yearbook; 1970 Broadcasting Yearbook; 95.7 facility chronology and source list.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KHIH-FM History
KPKE launches All Hit 96 on 95.7
On July 19, 1983, Denver’s 95.7 FM returned to Top 40 as KPKE, All Hit 96. The change followed a progressive-rock period under the KHOW-FM calls and turned 95.7 into one of the major competitors in Denver’s 1980s CHR battle.
KPKE becomes Sunny 95.7
In June 1987, KPKE ended the All Hit 96 Top 40 format and 95.7 became soft adult contemporary KSYY, Sunny 95.7. The change closed one of Denver’s signature 1980s CHR runs.
95.7 becomes smooth jazz KHIH
In October 1993, Denver's 95.7 FM adopted the KHIH call letters and a smooth-jazz format after Noble Broadcast Group acquired the station. The KHIH identity had previously been used on 94.7 FM.
Seven Denver stations consolidate into a new Tech Center complex
Jacor began planning a consolidated Denver Tech Center facility in October 1998 for KOA, KHOW, KTLK, KHIH, KRFX, KBPI and KTCL. The old studio lease expired in September 1999, creating a firm construction deadline. During the project, Clear Channel acquired Jacor.
KHIH drops smooth jazz for Top 40
On September 1, 2000, KHIH 95.7 dropped smooth jazz and flipped to Top 40. The change temporarily removed smooth jazz from Denver FM until the format resurfaced on 104.3 later that day.
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