KFMX-FM

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KFMX is an active rock radio station broadcasting in Lubbock, TX at 94.5 FM.

Signed on as KLBK-FM in August 1966. Station founded by Grayson Enterprises, Inc. owners of KLBK (AM) 1340, ch 13 KLBK-TV, and KWAB-TV in Big Spring, Texas and KTXS-TV in Sweetwater, Texas.

Studios and transmitter were at the KLBK site in south Lubbock. The address was 7400 College Avenue (renamed University Avenue after Texas Tech College became Texas Tech University).

The station ran by means of automated program playback. There were several reel to reel tape players, and several machines playing endless loop tape cartridges (carts). Songs played on tapes from a music service and announcements and commercials played from carts. The transmitter was in the same building in a room next to the ch 13 TV transmitter. The KLBK (AM) announcers recorded announcements for the FM stations, and oversaw the tape players, and the TV engineers watched the transmitter and maintained it's operation.

Power was 100,000 watts horizontal and 100,000 watts vertical, and the antenna was 677 feet above average terrain.

In 1970 the station added a small console and two turntables in a room used as an on the air studio. The format remains as general music, but added a live program each evening with "Music by Misty" hosted by Moda Fincher aka Misty. She had been an air talent on KSEL, KLLL, KCBD, and other stations in the area.

1n 1976 Chuck Spaugh left KSEL AM-FM and became general manager at KLBK-AM-FM. He changed formats to popular music, simulcastiunbg some parts of KLBK(AM)'s day schedule, using the live studio equipment in the evenings, and the automation overnights.

A contract to sell the station was signed in 1977. The sold closed in 1980. Call letters on AM changed to KSAX (AM), though the FM stayed as KLBK-FM. The studios were moved to 5613 Villa Drive and the FM letters changed to KFMX. The new owner Southern Minnesota Broadcasting Company was headed by Greg Gentling, Jr who had been a time salesman at KFMX in the Twin cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. That KRSI/KFMX/KJJO operation had been in and out of KFMX for years.

FMX then moved to the 82nd & Quaker studios as part of Gulfstar Communications (later AM/FM, Inc, and now Clear Channel Communications.)

KFMX call letters had also been used in Seattle, San Diego, and probably other markets. It has been on in Lubbock since 1980.

On-Air, FMX' positioning has included 94.5 KFMX-FM, The Home of Rock-N-Roll; Pure Rock, 94.5 FMX; and is currently Absolute Rock, 94.5 FMX.