Remember Super Tejano 980AM KRTX? That was the name. For many years KRTX ruled the Houston airwaves. It wasn’t always Tejano music though.
KRTX’s story is a fascinating one. It started life on a different frequency and with different call letters. The call sign KRTX actually belonged to two separate radio stations at different times. One was KLTW at 105.3 FM in Winnie Texas. The other was KQUE 980 AM in Rosenberg and Richmond. That’s the one that became the legendary Super Tejano 980AM KRTX.
Before Daij Media bought KQUE it was owned by Univision Radio. Univision changed the station’s format to Tejano music. They shortened the name to Tejano 980. Listeners could hear the sounds of Houston’s vibrant Tejano music scene. The station’s programming reflected the city’s diverse culture. The station was a vital part of the community. It wasn’t just music though. It was a cultural landmark.
Before becoming Tejano 980 KQUE had a different life. It was known as KFRD. KFRD was a country station from 1949 until it changed hands in 1990. It broadcast in the Houston area since 1960. That was when the KQUE calls moved to its present 980 AM frequency. Before that they were at 102.9 FM. It was also on 1230 AM. KQUE is now a Spanish language Christian radio station. It still serves the Houston area. It broadcasts from Rosenberg and Richmond but its signal reaches far wider.
The history of KRTX is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of radio. It reflects the changing tastes and preferences of its listeners. The station’s evolution is a reflection of Houston’s own transformation. But one thing remains the same: its impact. Whether it was country polka or Tejano KRTX always had a huge effect on local culture. It left a mark on the hearts and minds of Houston listeners. And that’s a story worth remembering.