KIKX was the 102.7 FM identity from 1984 to 1996. The station returned the former KIIQ facility to contemporary hit radio as “Kicks 102.7” and became one of Colorado Springs’ major CHR competitors. By 1988 it faced new competition from Pueblo move-ins KATM and KKMG.
By Sept. 18, 1992, Radio & Records reported that KIKX had evolved toward a New Rock-leaning CHR format under the new moniker “The Max.” A September 1992 FMQB market profile listed the station as CHR/Modern, with Bob Gourley as GM, Tom Fricke as PD, Craig Koehn as MD, and “The Max” as its primary slogan.
Later in 1992, KIKX entered a sales-only LMA with sister/crosstown KKCS. Billboard reported in November that KKCS GM Bob Gourley replaced KIKX GM Dennis Lamme as part of the arrangement.
The Max remained active through 1993. Period R&R personnel notes document Chrissy Addis rising from Promotions Assistant to Promotion Director in May 1993 and morning-show intern Maria Stevens moving into nights in June after Dave Hawkins left for KKFM production duties.
By Oct. 1, 1993, the Gavin Report reported that Walton Stations-Colorado had ended “The Max” and moved KIKX to a satellite-delivered country format. The station later tried an all-1970s format before Salem Communications acquired the facility in 1996 and moved the KBIQ Christian AC identity to 102.7.
Paired / sister stations: For part of the 1980s, KIKX shared ownership and calls with KIKX 1490 AM, which at times simulcast the FM. The 102.7 lineage is KCMS/KCMS-FM → KIIQ → KIKX → KBIQ.
Studio / Facility Timeline
- By 1991: period records place the KIKX/KKCS operation at 5145 Centennial Blvd., Suite 200.
- 1994–95: Radio Business Report documents Wiskes/Abaris operating KIKX/KKCS from 5145 Centennial; a 1995 NASA roster independently lists KKCS-FM News Director Tom Fricke at the same address, supporting its use as an active station/newsroom facility.
Sources: FCC history cards; Radio & Records, Sept. 18, 1992, May 28, 1993 and June 25, 1993; FMQB, Sept. 25, 1992; Billboard, Nov. 7, 1992; Gavin Report, Oct. 1, 1993; Radio Business Report; published histories of KBIQ and KXRE.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KIKX-FM History
KIIQ-FM becomes KIKX “Kicks 102.7”
KIIQ-FM 102.7 returned to contemporary-hit radio as KIKX, branded “Kicks 102.7.” Historical accounts describe KIKX as becoming one of the market's highest-rated stations.
John Dantzer programs KIKX 102.7
KIKX 102.7 was a major CHR outlet under program/music director John Dantzer. Contemporary Cash Box reporting lists Dantzer as PD/MD and documents the station actively reporting current hits.
John Dantzer promoted to First Sierra VP/programming
John Dantzer was promoted to vice president/programming for First Sierra Communications stations KIKX Colorado Springs and KQIZ Amarillo, remaining based in Colorado Springs.
KATM targets Colorado Springs as mainstream Top 40
KATM 100.7 moved its competitive focus into Colorado Springs as mainstream Top 40, challenging established CHR KIKX. The 100.7 facility had begun in Pueblo in 1976 as easy-listening KZLO and later used the “Z100” Top 40 identity before becoming KATM, “The Kat.”
KIKX runs “Three Song Cash Sweep”
Contemporary promotion reporting shows KIKX using its “Three Song Cash Sweep,” with more than $100,000 reportedly awarded. Group PD John Dantzer had returned to mornings after Bob DeBagia departed for Z93 in Amarillo.
KILO posts reported 18 share amid CHR battle
A contemporary trade account cited a summer Birch 18 share for KILO. Competitive-era reporting also described KKMG rising from 5.2 to 7.1 while KIKX declined from 9.6 to 6.1. These figures are preserved as source-specific ratings snapshots rather than universal market averages.
John Dantzer exits KIKX; interim programming team documented
Program director John Dantzer exited KIKX late in the year. Contemporary trade reporting identifies Bob Swisher handling the station on an interim basis and Dave “Jon” Anderson as music director.
KIKX drops New Rock/CHR for country
KIKX 102.7 dropped its New Rock/CHR approach and switched to country, removing one of the market's longtime pop/rock competitors as KKMG strengthened its contemporary-hit position.
1993 — The Max / KIKX New Rock team
The Max / KIKX was documented in 1993 with a New Rock-era programming and air staff that included Tom Fricke as program director, Craig Koehn as music director and midday personality, Pete May, and Maria Anderson. The station changed direction later that year, making this a useful snapshot of the people behind the station during its New Rock era.
1993: Maria Stevens moves from KIKX morning intern to nights
June 25, 1993 — Maria Stevens, a morning-show intern at KIKX 102.7 “The Max”, moved into the station’s night shift after Dave Hawkins left for Production Director duties at crosstown KKFM.
1993: Chrissy Addis promoted to KIKX Promotion Director
May 28, 1993 — Chrissy Addis was promoted from Promotions Assistant to Promotion Director at KIKX 102.7 “The Max”.
1994: KIKX and KKCS consolidate at 5145 Centennial Blvd.
1994–95 — The RBR Source Guide documents the KIKX-FM/KKCS operation at 5145 Centennial Blvd., Suite 200, Colorado Springs. Wiskes/Abaris Communications operated KIKX 102.7 and, through an LMA, the Walton-owned KKCS 1460/101.9 combination from the same facility.
KIKX programs all-1970s oldies as Kicks
KIKX 102.7 was programming an all-1970s oldies format under the Kicks identity.
1996 Southern Colorado station personnel snapshot
Contemporary industry listings document Bob Gourley, Bob Freeman, Charlie Cassidy and Mel Rauh at KIKX; Oleene Greenwood, Gary Dall, Dave Moore and Dan Thomas at KCCY; Nick Donovan at KDZA-FM; Dick Bruso, Larry Myers and Art Pemberton at KGFT; Lee Douglas and Norm Smith at KKPC; Iva Rafferty and Mike Lee at KKNK; Jerry De La Cruz and Diane Young at KRMX; Julio Gutierrez, Hilda Perez and Norm Smith at KRRU; Steve Downes, Lorri Froehlich, Jay Diamond Salas and Norm Smith at KYZX; Dave Harrell at KCSJ; and Greg Hargrove at KGHF.
Salem moves KBIQ Christian AC to 102.7 and launches KPRZ 96.1
Salem acquired KBIQ 96.1 and KIKX 102.7. In the fall, the KBIQ Christian AC format and calls moved to 102.7; 96.1 became KPRZ “Praise 96.”
Summer 1999 Colorado Springs ratings snapshot
People Who Worked Here
FROM THE ARCHIVE
Photos, Video & Airchecks
Aircheck · 1984
KIIQ Sept 15 1984 (day before call switch to KIKX)
Final day aircheck of KIIQ before call switch to KIKX. Of note, my last break, I didn't say the call letters. Many voices are included in this but not complete. Red Noise is of note on several tags thoughout and still doing morning drive.
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