The KKED license traces its roots to the oldest FM radio station in Interior Alaska.

[4] In July 1968, the station moved to 104.7 MHz[5] and increased the effective radiated power of its transmitter atop the Student Union Building to 10,500 watts.

In 1995, the station landed a $178,000 federal grant to build a new, more powerful facility broadcasting with 38,000 watts at 89.9 MHz—in the reserved band—atop the Ester Dome.

[9] The new facility in the reserved band opened up the ability for the University of Alaska Fairbanks to sell the 104.7 license, which traded call letters to become KUAB, to a commercial buyer.

[10] On June 22, the frequency became a commercial alternative rock outlet known as "The Edge";[11] the call letters changed to KKED on July 10.