In the late 80′s, and the very early 90′s, Phoenix was one of the best markets for fans of the CHR format. Nationwide Communications’ heritage KZZP found itself in a heated battle with Edens Broadcasting’s Y95 (KOY-FM) and The Broadcast Group’s Power 92 (KKFR).
But with changes in management, personalities, and pop music tastes as a whole – the CHR scene was very different by the Fall of 1993. By that time, only KKFR and its hip-hop/R&B focused Rhythmic CHR format remained, without any direct competition. Despite its impressive ratings, the station elected to move towards a Modern Rock-based Mainstream CHR format by the end of that year.
This is a sample of KKFR from the following summer, when it offered an “All Request 4th of July Weekend”. Featured is a cameo appearance from yours truly. Not being a fan of the station’s regular format, I intentionally requested a song (SWV – “I’m So Into You”) that was a staple of its previous format, and almost surely had not been played since the aforementioned change.
Also featured are snippets of the syndicated “Open House Party” program carried by Power 92 on Saturday nights that year.