KRST had separate programming from its AM counterpart, playing a free form progressive rock format beginning in the summer of 1970.

With the release of 1980 hit movie Urban Cowboy, many FM stations around the U.S. were considering switching to country music, which was gaining acceptance outside rural communities.

[4] Albuquerque radio listeners made KRST one of the market's highest rated FM stations.

The conversion of KRST to Nash was part of Cumulus' plans to have their Country outlets adopt a national based brand using a combination of syndicated and local content, similar to Clear Channel Communications' Top 40/CHR "Kiss-FM" model.

The conversion also resulted in several KRST air staffers (except for Juan Velasco) being let go, including "The Get Up Gang" morning show.