KBBX-FM (97.7
MHz
The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI), often described as being equivalent to one event (or cycle) per second. The hertz is an SI derived unit whose formal expression in terms of SI base u ...
, "Lobo 97.7") is a
radio station
Radio broadcasting is the broadcasting of audio (sound), sometimes with related metadata, by radio waves to radio receivers belonging to a public audience. In terrestrial radio broadcasting the radio waves are broadcast by a land-based rad ...
broadcasting a
Regional Mexican
Regional Mexican music refers collectively to the regional subgenres of the country music of Mexico and its derivatives from the Southwestern United States. Each subgenre is representative of a certain region and its popularity also varies by ...
format. Licensed to
Nebraska City, Nebraska,
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
, the station serves the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas. The station is currently owned by Flood Communications of Omaha, LLC. KBBX-FM's studios are located on John Galt Boulevard in Omaha, while its transmitter is located just north of
Weeping Water, Nebraska and approximately 2 miles southeast of Manley, Nebraska.
On May 25, 2024, KBBX activated
HD Radio
HD Radio (HDR) is a trademark for in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio broadcast technology. HD radio generally simulcast, simulcasts an existing analog radio station in digital format with less noise and with additional text information. HD R ...
operations.
History
Easy listening (1980–1995)
The station signed on in 1980 as KNCY-FM, and aired an
easy listening
Easy listening (including mood music) is a popular music genre and radio format that was most popular during the 1950s to the 1970s. It is related to middle of the road (MOR) music and encompasses instrumental recordings of standards, hit s ...
format.
Rock (1995)
In February 1995, KNCY-FM flipped to a rock format as KNBQ; however, this would only last a short time.
Smooth jazz (1995–1998)
In September 1995, the station flipped to
smooth jazz
Smooth jazz is commercially oriented crossover jazz music. Although often described as a "genre", it is a debatable and highly controversial subject in jazz music circles. As a radio format, however, smooth jazz radio became the successor to e ...
as KOSJ. The flip brought the format back to the market for the first time since 1991, when
KKCD flipped to
classic rock
Classic rock is a radio format that developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the early 1980s. In the United States, it comprises rock music ranging generally from the mid-1960s through the early-1990s, primarily focusing on comm ...
. The format, however, still was not met with acceptance in the market.
Soft adult contemporary (1998–1999)
On January 9, 1998, the frequency became home to KESY's
soft AC format after their former frequency flipped to
modern AC as
KSRZ.
Rhythmic hits (1999–2002)
On May 21, 1999, the station flipped to a
rhythmic-leaning
Top 40
In the music industry, the Top 40 is a list of the 40 currently most popular songs in a particular genre. It is the best-selling or most frequently broadcast popular music. Record charts have traditionally consisted of a total of 40 songs. "To ...
format, branded as "Channel 9-7-7", and adopted the new call sign KQCH. Despite the station's limited signal, KQCH was a ratings success.
Spanish (2002–present)
As part of a major format shuffle, on May 3, 2002, at Noon, KQCH's format moved to the more powerful
94.1 FM frequency. After a week of simulcasting, and airing a loop redirecting listeners to the new frequency, on May 10, 97.7 adopted sister
KBBX's
regional Mexican
Regional Mexican music refers collectively to the regional subgenres of the country music of Mexico and its derivatives from the Southwestern United States. Each subgenre is representative of a certain region and its popularity also varies by ...
format as "Radio Lobo." The station would adopt the KBBX-FM call sign on the same day as the switch.
In 2004, KBBX-FM won the prestigious Crystal Award from the National Broadcasters Association for outstanding community service. Radio Lobo was the very first Spanish radio station in American history to win this award. Each spring and fall for the past 11 years, Radio Lobo coordinates and hosts Nebraska's only Bilingual Latino Career Fair. Businesses and services that need to hire bilingual employees of all levels get to meet hundreds of bilingual Latinos looking progress in their careers.
Journal Communications
Journal Media Group (formerly Journal Communications) was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based newspaper publishing company. The company's roots were first established in 1882 as the owner of its namesake, the ''Milwaukee Journal'', and expanded into br ...
later sold the station to
Connoisseur Media
Connoisseur Media LLC is an American media company. It is based in Westport, Connecticut and led by Jeff Warshaw. As of May 2024, Connoisseur operates 13 radio stations and digital assets in four U.S. markets: Frederick, MD, Nassau-Suffolk, NY, Ne ...
in 2006, and then to Flood Communications in 2014.
[Dane Stickney, "Spanish radio station in Omaha has new owner," ''The Omaha World-Herald'', September 30, 2006.]
Achievements
2004- Crystal Award from the National Broadcasters Association for outstanding community service.
2005- Nebraska Broadcasters Association awarded KBBX-FM the Gold Award for service to Business Industry, Government or Education.
2006- KBBX-FM helped raise $79,054 for The Kids of St. Judes.
2007- Barrientos Scholarship Foundation Third Annual Latino Heritage Awards named KBBX-FM Business of the Year.
2012- KBBX-FM received Station of the Year by Medallas de Cortez.
2012- Omaha mayor
Jim Suttle
James H. Suttle (born June 13, 1944) is an American corporate executive, engineer, and politician who served as the 50th mayor of Omaha, Nebraska from 2009 to 2013.
Early career
Suttle attended West Virginia University, graduating with his bache ...
proclaimed March 22, 2012 Radio Lobo Day.
2015- Greater Omaha Chambers awarded KBBX-FM with the Small Business Award.
KBBX-FM also helps the Children's Miracle Network Radiothon and for years has gained recognition from the Children's Hospital and Medical Center.
References
External links
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{{Omaha Radio
BBX-FM