In the spring of 1981 under the ownership of Pat Demaree, 102.5 was a Top 40 (CHR) format under the moniker Z-103 and was rebranded "The Z 102.5" around 1990 under the helm of Al Zar and Gary Bandy that lasted a year.

Following that time, the station went through a number of format changes including adult contemporary and satellite-fed country.

Chuck Dunaway of Big Mac Broadcasting purchased the station, changed its call letters to KJKT and rebranded it as Country Kat 102.5.

During this time, KIXQ was on air at 93.9 FM (known as KIX 94) playing more traditional country in the era when Garth Brooks had exploded on the scene.

The decision was made to combine the two stations into one with the KIXQ call letters and "KIX" slogan at the 102.5 FM frequency.