| KPLZ-FM | |
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| City of license | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Seattle, Washington |
| Branding | Star 101.5 |
| Slogan | The best mix of everything |
| Frequency | 101.5 MHz |
| First air date | 1959 |
| Format | Hot AC |
| ERP | 99,000 watts |
| HAAT | 385 meters |
| Class | C |
| Facility ID | 21663 |
| Owner | Fisher Communications |
| Website | www.star1015.com |
KPLZ-FM (101.5 FM) is a commercial radio station located in Seattle, Washington. KPLZ-FM airs a hot adult contemporary music format branded as "Star 101.5".
History
Until 1976, the station at 101.5 was KETO and had a country music format. During the 1970s, AM radio dominated the Seattle airwaves. The major country station was KAYO 1150. Top-40 stations in the city included KOL-AM, which became country station KMPS-AM in the mid-1970s. In 1976, Seattle was a two-station battleground between KING-AM 1090 and the legendary KJR 950. The sign-on of KVI-FM at "101 Plus" signaled the beginning of the end for contemporary music on Seattle's AM radio stations. KETO changed formats to Top-40 as "The FM KVI." The station later became "K-Plus" and changed it's call letters to KPLZ. In the late 1970s, while KJR and KING maintained mainstream Top-40 formats, "K-Plus" became the area's de facto disco music station. The death of disco combined with the sign-on of Top-40 upstart KBLE-FM ("The New 93") -- today's KUBE -- signaled a tough ratings environment for KPLZ, but under the leadership of Program Director Casey Keating, the station became the city's dominant Top-40 station during the late 1980s. KUBE struggled for a time, but ultimately adopted a Rhythmic CHR approach. KPLZ's ratings dropped while KUBE ascended the ratings ladder. KPLZ finally gave up on Top-40 radio and became "Star 101.5." The Kent and Alan morning team remained intact and continue on-air to this day.
External links
- KPLZ-FM official website
- STAR 101.5 Party Hosts for your private party
- Query the FCC's FM station database for KPLZ
- Radio Locator information on KPLZ
- Query Arbitron's FM station database for KPLZ
