KKMG (98.9 FM, 98.9 Magic FM), is a heritage top 40 (CHR)

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 ...

located in the

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Pueblo Pueblo refers to the settlements of the Pueblo peoples, Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, currently in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. The permanent communities, including some of the oldest continually occupied settlement ...

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radio market. The

Cumulus Media Cumulus Media, Inc. is a broadcasting company of the United States and is the second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States ahead of Audacy and behind iHeartMedia iHeartMedia, Inc., or CC Media Holdi ...

outlet is licensed to

. Magic FM is one of the most popular and recognized radio stations in Southern Colorado.

History

98.9 signed on as KVMN on January 1, 1967. It was owned by the Pueblo Stereo Broadcasting Company. Recreation Broadcasting of Pueblo bought KVMN in 1974. As KVMN, the station broadcast a Beautiful Music/Easy Listening format. Horwin Broadcasting acquired it in 1978 and relaunched the station as KPLV Love 99 broadcasting an AC/AOR hybrid format; and KPLV became KRQY in 1981 switching to an AC/Classic Hits format. In 1983, KRQY became Top 40/CHR KKMG "Magic 99", although it was on 98.9 and KVUU was on the 99.9 frequency. In 1987, KKMG changed its moniker to "The All New Magic FM", ending confusion between them and KVUU. In fall 1988, KKMG moved its office and studios into the Colorado Springs area. Earlier in the spring of the same, direct competitor KATM first made the move into Colorado Springs to compete with the CHR leader at the time KIKX. To coincide with the move to Colorado Springs, KKMG switched to a Churban format (CHR-Urban). The new Churban format was an instant success, and KKMG eventually forced KIKX and KATM out of the CHR format. KKMG moved back to a CHR-pop lean in 1994. Despite its good ratings, KKMG lost money, and entered a Lease marketing agreement with classic rocker KKFM in 1991. KKFM's parent company

Citadel Broadcasting Citadel Broadcasting Corporation was a Las Vegas, Nevada-based broadcast holding company founded and developed by Larry Wilson. Citadel owned 243 radio stations across the United States and was the third-largest radio station owner in the count ...

then purchased KKMG a few years later. Citadel merged with Cumulus Media on September 16, 2011. KKMG dominated the radio ratings in Colorado Springs until 2004 when KIBT signed on with a Rhythmic Top 40 format. In 2006, the Colorado Springs Gazette voted Magic FM as the "Best Radio Station In Colorado Springs." On July 15, 2023, KKMG temporarily rebranded as “Taylor FM” playing only Taylor Swift songs during her tour stop in the nearby Denver area.

References

External links

KKMG official website
* ( Guide to reading History Cards) {{coord, 38.745, N, 104.862, W, type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC, display=title KMG Contemporary hit radio stations in the United States Cumulus Media radio stations Radio stations established in 1967 1967 establishments in Colorado