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KMXP (96.9 FM broadcasting) is a commercial radio modern adult contemporary radio station in Phoenix, Arizona. It is owned and operated by iHeartMedia, Inc., with radio studio on East Van Buren Street near Sky Harbor International Airport. KMXP carries the syndicated On Air with Ryan Seacrest show in early afternoons.
KMXP has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 , the maximum for most FM stations. The transmitter is in South Mountain Park amid other FM and TV towers, south of Phoenix. Radio-Locator.com/KMXP KMXP broadcasts using HD Radio technology. Its HD2 digital subchannel carries iHeart's "Pride Radio," aimed at LGBTQ listeners.
In the 1960s, most radios in homes and cars could receive the FM band. And with a classical format, KEPI found it hard to stay on the air. In January 1964, Golden Sounds asked for authority to go silent for up to six months. Ultimately, in the time needed to sell the station, it was off the air for nine months as a new owner was sought. When 96.9 returned to the air in October 1964, it was KMEO, broadcasting easy listening music and marketed as "Cameo," a moniker it held through several different owners. It played quarter hour sweeps of soft, instrumental music, with an occasional soft vocal. Beginning in 1967, it was simulcast with KIDR (740 AM). During this time, 96.9 used an FM suffix, as KMEO-FM, with its easy listening format offered on both AM and FM radio.
On July 4, 1991, 96.9 FM became oldies-formatted "Sunny 97", switching its call letters to KPSN.Julie Newberg, "Dick Clark 61? He swears to it", The Arizona Republic, July 3, 1991. That was followed by a whirlwind of format and call sign changes. On November 28, 1994, it became classic hits KCHT (later KHTC).Julie Newberg, "'70s hits still hot stuff in nostalgia-loving '90s", The Arizona Republic, December 5, 1994. It first was called "96.9 K-Hits FM", then "The New 96.9 Classic Hits". It rebranded to KGLQ ("Eagle 96.9") in September 1997. In April 1997, the station was bought by Nationwide Communications, a subsidiary of the Nationwide Insurance Company. The price tag was $34 million. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1998 page D-24. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
At 3 p.m. that day, 96.9 adopted its current format, hot adult contemporary, as KMXP, “Mix 96.9”. The first song on "Mix" was "New Sensation" by INXS.Michael Clancy, "Harper eyes return to Valley screen", The Arizona Republic, September 5, 1998.
In May 1999, the station was acquired by San Antonio-based Clear Channel Communications. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 2010 page D-62. Retrieved July 5, 2023. In 2014, Clear Channel changed its name to the current iHeartMedia, Inc.
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