KISS-FM (brand)
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- For other uses of "Kiss FM", especially outside of the United States, see Kiss FM (disambiguation).
KISS-FM is the brand name of a Top 40 music format heard on FM radio stations in many cities in the United States. Clear Channel Communications claims ownership of the KISS-FM brand and operates most KISS-FM formatted stations.
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[edit] Origin and History
The KISS-FM brand originated at the KIIS-FM station in Los Angeles, California, which has used the "KIIS-FM" brand name since 1981. The Logo for KISS-FM is a blue ball with KISS-FM in red lettering with yellow around the lettering and the radio frequency at the bottom in yellow.
There are some stations never owned by Clear Channel that license the KISS-FM branding. In Peoria, Illinois, WPIA 98.5 and WRIA 96.5 is a Mainstream Top 40 station using the KISS-FM brand and its logo.
On November 17th, 2006, Clear Channel announced that the company intends to be sold to a group of private equity firms.[1].
Clear Channel announced on the same day its intent to sell off many radio stations in smaller radio markets - including some KISS-FM formatted stations. Former Clear Channel KISS-FM branded stations that have been sold and retained the KISS brand as of March 2007 include WDKS 106.1 KISS-FM Evansville, Indiana; KHKS 106.1 KISS-FM Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas; KTRS 104.7 KISS-FM in Casper, Wyoming.
Clear Channel's main competitor, CBS Radio, owns two "Kiss" FM stations that are formatted as Top-40: WNKS in Charlotte, North Carolina, and KBKS in Seattle, Washington, but neither station uses the KISS ball logo.
[edit] Conflict and controversy
Clear Channel has pursued legal claims against some station owners using branding similar to KISS-FM.
Some stations have dropped KISS branding as a result - for example: Mainstream Urban station WKYS in Washington, DC (owned by Radio One) used it before, then they dropped it, but most recently added the moniker back. (need source)
In 2001, Clear Channel went to federal court to force American General Media (AGM) to give up the "Kiss" slogan that was used as the on-air moniker for Rhythmic Top 40 KISV in Bakersfield, California. Clear Channel wanted to use the slogan for its then-recent acquisition KKXX in 2000. AGM argued they had the rights to the "Kiss" slogan three years before Clear Channel came to Bakersfield; Clear Channel said otherwise and claimed AGM used it without permission. (need Source and details of the outcome of the legal action)
In Chicago, Clear Channel sent a Cease And Desist letter to former CHR-Dance WKIE. Clear Channel sued WKIE and successfully won the case, causing WKIE to drop the KISS name and rebrand itself as Energy 92.7. Clear Channel changed their Rhythmic Oldies 103.5 The Beat to CHR-Pop as 103.5 KISS-FM with call letters WKSC respectfully meaning KSC (KISS Chicago). (need source)
[edit] List of "KISS-FM" stations
| Station | Frequency | Owner | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| WDKS-FM | 106.1 | Regent Communications | Evansville, Indiana |
| KTRS-FM | 104.7 | Marathon Media | Casper, Wyoming |
| KISN-FM | 96.7 | Marathon Media | Bozeman, Montanna |
[edit] External links
| Clear Channel Communications, Inc. |
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Corporate officers: Lowry Mays | Mark Mays | Randall Mays | Tom Hicks |
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Radio / Television stations:
Other major assets: Clear Channel Outdoor | Clear Channel UK | Premiere Radio Networks | FOX Sports Radio Network |
