“Wild 102” once echoed through Las Vegas. Today, we’re standing before the location where KFMS-AM, formerly KWID, made its mark on the airwaves. It’s a spot with a rich broadcasting history.
KFMS-AM’s story began in 1963. The station signed on as KRGN. E.W. Cragin was the owner. In 1968, the Gilday Broadcasting Company took over.
In 1974, KRGN became KFMS. It adopted an automated top 40 format. People knew it as “KFM 102”. From 1978 to 1980, KFMS played album-oriented rock. On January 1, 1981, KFMS switched to country music. It kept the “KFM 102” name.
The station changed hands again in 1997. Jacor Communications bought KFMS as part of a larger deal. Clear Channel Communications then acquired Jacor in 1999.
A major shift occurred on January 7, 2000. KFMS flipped to top 40. It became “101.9 KISS-FM”. For a time, KFMS simulcast KIIS-FM from Los Angeles. This included Rick Dees’ morning show. Buck Head from Tampa hosted weeknights.
KFMS created a large KIIS-FM coverage area. This spanned from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. However, the station was branded as “KISS”, not “KIIS”.
KFMS began incorporating local talent. Kate and Rick Kelly joined from KQOL-FM. In 2001, KYHT changed its format. KFMS then ended the KIIS-FM simulcast. The station added more hip hop. Trejo and Nikki hosted a local morning show. Rick Dees’ syndicated show remained.
December 2002 brought another surprise. 101.9 Kiss-FM went off the air. KFMS then began stunting with “Welcome to the Jungle”. In January 2003, the station launched a rhythmic contemporary format. It was branded “Wild 102”. The call letters changed to KWID. The slogan was “Where Hip Hop Lives”.
The format shifted again in 2004. KWID became “La Preciosa 101.9”. It played Mexican oldies.
Lotus Communications acquired KWID in 2008. This was part of a three-station swap with Clear Channel. Lotus changed KWID to Spanish adult hits. It became “La Buena 101.9”. The KWID studios are in Spring Valley. The transmitter sits on Black Mountain in Henderson.
Interestingly, there was an unrelated shortwave station named KWID during World War II. Based in San Francisco, it was commissioned by the federal government. It later became the Voice of America.
KFMS-AM, now KWID, has a long history of format changes. It adapted to the evolving tastes of Las Vegas listeners. From country to top 40 to hip hop and now Spanish adult hits, KFMS-AM has been a consistent presence. It continues to broadcast as “La Buena 101.9”. It provides Spanish-language adult hits to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The story of KFMS-AM is one of constant reinvention. The station adapted to stay relevant in the ever-changing radio landscape.