KOAQ was the pop/Top 40 identity of Denver’s 103.5 FM facility. The station began June 1, 1961 as KOA-FM and initially shared programming and facilities with KOA 850.
In 1974 the FM became KOAQ and “Q103,” moving from beautiful music into Top 40. Q103 became a major Denver hit-music outlet as FM listening grew. By the mid-1980s it faced increasingly strong competition from Y108 and KPKE and shifted toward adult contemporary.
General Electric sold KOA and KOAQ to A. H. Belo in 1983. The stations moved from 1044 Lincoln Street to 1380 Lawrence Street in June 1984, and Jacor acquired the pair in 1987. On January 18, 1989, KOAQ became classic-rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox.”
Lineage: KOA-FM → KOAQ/Q103 → KRFX.
Sources: FCC historical CDBS record — Facility 29731; 103.5 chronology and cited Broadcasting Yearbooks; Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado — Denver Radio.
FROM THE TIMELINE
Moments in KOAQ-FM History
KOA and KOAQ move to 1380 Lawrence Street
In June 1984, KOA and KOAQ moved their radio studios and offices to 1380 Lawrence Street in Denver, separating the radio operations from their former television sister at the Lincoln Street facility.
Jacor buys KOA and KOAQ
In 1987, Jacor Communications purchased Denver stations KOA and KOAQ for a reported $24 million. Two years later, KOAQ would become classic-rock KRFX/The Fox.
KOAQ becomes 103.5 The Fox KRFX
On January 18, 1989, Denver's 103.5 FM flipped from adult contemporary to classic rock, adopted the KRFX call letters and became 103.5 The Fox. The change established a classic-rock brand that would remain on the frequency for decades.
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