WKSC-FM#Rock 103.5

The station began broadcasting in November 1957 under the call sign WKFM. WKFM was owned by Frank Kovas, Jr. The station's transmitter was located atop the Randolph Tower at 188 West Randolph, and had an ERP of 50,000 watts. On February 2, 1970, its antenna fell off the building during high winds, but no one was injured."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-02-09-BC.pdf Pylon plummets during Chicago rush hour]", Broadcasting, February 9, 1970. p. 65. Retrieved January 28, 2019.

WKFM aired beautiful music/light classical format.O'Connor, Richard. (2009). [http://www.percyfaithpages.org/A%20Brief%20History%20of%20Beautiful%20Music%20Radio.pdf A Brief History of Beautiful Music Radio], Percy Faith Pages. Retrieved January 29, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-02-20-BC.pdf FM Units Double in Two Year Period]", Broadcasting. February 20, 1961. p. 82. Retrieved February 16, 2019. The music had appropriate moods through the day, with morning and afternoon drive times more upbeat, and it was considered to have a "highbrow" sound. Programs included Morning Serenade, Musical Bon-Bons, Pleasant Listening, Rendezvous With Rhythm, Dinner Musicale, and Stereo Showcase. The station had five-minute newscasts at the top of each hour and headlines at the half-hour."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1966/Billboard%201966-11-19.pdf Stations By Format]", Billboard. November 19, 1966. p. 38. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

Though WEFM, the Zenith owned classical music station, was the first station to broadcast in stereo, WKFM was the first to broadcast in stereo 24/7.

In 1973, the station was sold to RKO General for $2.4 million."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-01-29-BC.pdf RKO gets to add an FM]", Broadcasting, January 29, 1973. p. 29. Retrieved January 29, 2019. The new owner changed the call letters to WFYR in March 1973. The letters FYR, standing for "Fire", was a reference to the infamous Great Chicago Fire.Deitz, Corey (2004). [https://books.google.com/books?id=pwB6LQrNdtUC&pg=PA104 The Cash Cage]. Lessons from Camp. p. 104. Retrieved January 29, 2019.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/City-Magazines-Misc/Chicagoland-Radio-Waves-Two-Issues.pdf Chicagoland Radio Waves], MediaTies. Summer 1988/Spring-Summer 1989. Retrieved January 29, 2019. The station adopted an automated oldies format, using Drake-Chenault's Classic Gold package."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-05-14-BC.pdf Gold in California]", Broadcasting, May 14, 1973. p. 57. Retrieved January 29, 2019.Duston, Anne. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1973/Billboard%201973-08-04.pdf Defect Coffin, Co-Ops Help Indie Dealer]", Billboard. August 4, 1973. p. 31. Retrieved January 29, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1975/Billboard%201975-11-29.pdf Chicago WFYR-FM]", Billboard. November 29, 1975. pp. RKO-10, RKO-14. Retrieved January 29, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1977/Billboard%201977-03-26.pdf RKO Shifts Chicago Old FM Automation]", Billboard. March 26, 1977. p. 20. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

In autumn 1973, RKO opened an oldies dance club, the "FYR Station", located at the McCormick Inn, where the station held live broadcasts on Friday and Saturday evenings."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1973/Billboard%201973-11-10.pdf Chi Oldie FM Nitery]", Billboard. November 10, 1973. p. 28. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

In 1974, the station's transmitter was moved to the Sears Tower.

In 1976, WFYR began carrying Dick Biondi's syndicated program Super Gold Rock n' Roll."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1976/Billboard%201976-11-13.pdf Dick Biondi Super Gold Rock n' Roll]", Billboard. November 13, 1976. p. 31. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

In April 1977, the station adopted a live adult contemporary format.Herbeck, Ray, Jr. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=LiQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT 'New' WFYR-FM Challenges WLS]", Billboard. March 11, 1978. pp. 1, 32 & 39. Retrieved January 29, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/Chicago-Trib-1979-Mar-About-Chi-Radio.pdf Stations, everywhere: a listeners' guide to the AM and FM bands]", Chicago Tribune Magazine, March 4, 1979. p. 37. Retrieved January 30, 2019. Personalities included Fred Winson,"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/Chicago-Trib-1979-Mar-About-Chi-Radio.pdf Radio; A Candid Overview of the Way it Was, Is, and Most Likely Will Be]", Chicago Tribune Magazine, March 4, 1979. p. 22-27. Retrieved January 30, 2019. Dick Bartley,[http://dickbartley.com/db_bio.html Dick Bartley Radio Biography], DickBartley.com. Retrieved January 30, 2019.Hall, Doug. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1978/Billboard%201978-10-07.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. October 7, 1978. pp. 32, 34. Retrieved January 30, 2019. Stu Collins, and Dean Richards.Hall, Doug. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1978/Billboard%201978-06-03.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. June 3, 1978. p. 46. Retrieved January 30, 2019."[https://wgntv.com/author/dean-richards/ Dean Richards]", WGN-TV. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

In the 1980s, the station carried Dick Bartley's oldies program Solid Gold Saturday Night, and Bartley's Sunday night oldies program Solid Gold Scrapbook.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/Chicago_Magazine/Chicago-Radio-Guide-May-1985.pdf Chicago Radio Guide]. Vol. 1, No. 1. May 1985. p. 54. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

By January 1989, WFYR had transitioned back to an oldies format, with the slogan "Chicago's Hottest Oldies".Ross, Sean. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1989/BB-1989-01-14.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. January 14, 1989. p. 10. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

In 1989, WFYR was sold to Summit Broadcasting for $21 million as a consequence of an FCC sanction forcing RKO General to end their broadcasting operations due to their dishonest business practices.Multiple sources:

• "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1988/RR-1988-12-23.pdf Transactions]", Radio & Records. December 23, 1988. p. 9. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
• Morris, Ed. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1987/Billboard-1987-08-22.pdf FCC Judge Strips RKO Of Licenses]", Billboard. August 22, 1987. p. 10. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
• [https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/comment.pl?Application_id=122297&File_number=BALH-19890105GJ Public Notice Comment - BALH-19890105GJ], fcc.gov. Retrieved January 30, 2019. On October 30, 1989, WFYR's oldies format was dropped and replaced with an adult contemporary format."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-11-03.pdf WFYR Goes For Soft Hits]", Radio & Records. November 3, 1989. pp. 3, 36. Retrieved January 30, 2019.Seigenthaler, Katherine. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-11-07-8901280898-story.html New Soft Hits Format Makes a Play For the Contemporary Adult]", Chicago Tribune. November 7, 1989. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

In 1991, the station was sold to Major Broadcasting for $19 million.Multiple sources:

• {{cite magazine|title=Chicago FM Deal to Light Trading Fires?|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1991/RR-1991-02-15.pdf|magazine=Radio & Records|date=February 15, 1991|page=8|access-date=January 30, 2019}}
• [https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/comment.pl?Application_id=157266&File_number=BALH-19910211HM Public Notice Comment - BALH-19910211HM], fcc.gov. Retrieved January 30, 2019. On March 29, 1991, at 6{{nbsp}}p.m., the station signed off the air.Feder, Robert. "[http://www.scottchilders.com/timecapsule/feder-blaze-040291.jpg Hard-rocking 'Blaze' snuffs soft-pop 'FYR]", Chicago Sun-Times. April 2, 1991. p. 33. Retrieved January 30, 2019. At 4 p.m. the following day, it returned to the air with a 44-hour stunt of Rock Rock ('Til You Drop) by Def Leppard. At noon on April 1, the station debuted a hard rock format as "The Blaze".Ross, Sean; Rosen, Craig; Stark, Phyllis. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-04-13.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. April 13, 1991. p. 12. Retrieved January 30, 2019.{{cite magazine|title=WFYR Switches To AOR As WWBZ|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1991/RR-1991-04-05.pdf|magazine=Radio & Records|date=April 5, 1991|page=3|access-date=January 30, 2019}} Shortly thereafter, the station's call sign was changed to WWBZ. "The Blaze" featured acts such as AC/DC, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Great White, Guns N' Roses, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Mötley Crüe, Slaughter, and Warrant.{{cite magazine|title=PD of the week|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-07-13.pdf|magazine=Billboard|date=July 13, 1991|page=17|access-date=January 30, 2019}}

The station's initial on-air personalities included Steven Craig in mornings, Steve Seaver in middays, Brian Kelly in afternoons, and Kevin Lewis evenings. Other personalities on The Blaze included Leslie Harris, Scott Childers, and helicopter reporter "Major Tom".{{cite web|url=http://959theriver.com/includes/news_items/2/news_items_more.php?id=12§ion_id=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126093830/http://959theriver.com/includes/news_items/2/news_items_more.php?id=12§ion_id=2|title=Leslie Harris|publisher=95.9 The River|access-date=January 31, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2011|url-status=dead}}"[http://www.scottchilders.com/timecapsule/TC3.htm The Best of Rock - 103-5 The Blaze]", Chicago Radio Time Capsule. ScottChilders.com. Retrieved January 30, 2019.Kening, Dan. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-12-31-9104270259-story.html Major Tom]", Chicago Tribune. December 31, 1991. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

WWBZ presented "Blazefest", a rock music memorabilia show and concert at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, which featured performances by bands such as Kiss, I Mother Earth, Saigon Kick, Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, and Warrant.Kening, Dan. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-04-01-9404010243-story.html Even After 20 Years Kiss Still Just Making it Up as They Go]", Chicago Tribune. April 1, 1994. Retrieved January 30, 2019.

In 1993, the station was sold to Evergreen Media for $28 million.Multiple sources:

• {{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4178436.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174502/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4178436.html|title=Blaze Sale Ignites WLUP's Options|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=July 6, 1993|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=March 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}
• "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1993/RR-1993-12-17.pdf Street Talk]", Radio & Records. December 17, 1993. p. 16. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

Over the July 4, 1994, weekend, the station stunted, playing music from a variety of music genres, promoting a feedback phone number for listeners to call, and taking potshots at B96, WCKG, Q101, and US99."[http://www.chicagoradioandmedia.com/multimedia/audio/8286-the-blaze-flips-to-rock-103-5-07-05-94 'The Blaze' Flips To 'Rock 103.5' - 07/05/94]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 5, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2019. At 6 a.m. on July 5, the station was relaunched as "Rock 103-5", airing an active rock format.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4236150.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505112614/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4236150.html|title=New 'Rock 103.5' Putting Out Blaze|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 30, 1994|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1994/RR-1994-07-01.pdf Chicago's Blaze Going Up In Smoke!]", Radio & Records. July 1, 1994. p. 14. Retrieved January 31, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1994/RR-1994-07-08.pdf Blaze Extinguished]", Radio & Records. July 8, 1994. p. 1. Retrieved January 31, 2019.Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-10-30-9810300241-story.html WRCX Turns to Oldies, Disco to Lift Ratings]", Chicago Tribune. October 30, 1998. Retrieved January 31, 2019. On July 28, the station's call sign was changed to WRCX.

Mancow Muller was added to mornings and soon achieved the highest ratings for the station.Multiple sources:

• Nidetz, Steve. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-07-31-9407310333-story.html Mancow Muller Pilots New WRCX Morning Drive]", Chicago Tribune. July 31, 1994. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
• Pick, Grant. "[https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/morning-mouth/Content?oid=887069 Morning Mouth]", Chicago Reader. March 30, 1995. Retrieved January 31, 2019. Other airstaff on Rock 103-5 included Terry Gibson,Stark, Phyllis. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=4gsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA142 Vox Jox]", Billboard. February 25, 1995. p. 142. Retrieved January 31, 2019. Eddie Webb,Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-11-18-9811180285-story.html Labuz to Boost Local Buzz as WBEZ Morning Host]", Chicago Tribune. November 18, 1998. Retrieved January 31, 2019. Ned Spindle,Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-01-26-9901260334-story.html Rise in Ratings Gives Rise to Change]", Chicago Tribune. January 26, 1999. Retrieved January 31, 2019. Sludge, Cara Carriveau,"[https://www.allaccess.com/on-the-beach/10-questions/archive/4321/10-questions-with-cara-carriveau 10 Questions with ... Cara Carriveau]", All Access Music Group. December 5, 2006. Retrieved January 31, 2019. and Chris Payne. WRCX hosted "Rockstock", which featured performances from Megadeth, Local H, Veruca Salt, Silverchair, Faith No More, Helmet, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.Reger, Rick. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-09-9709090146-story.html Second-Stage Acts Save Rockstock 97]", Chicago Tribune. September 9, 1997. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

In February 1996, sister station WYNY in New York City simulcasted WRCX for a day as part of a week-long stunt of simulcasting sister stations nationwide before flipping formats to rhythmic adult contemporary as WKTU.Taylor, Chuck. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=Gw8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96 Vox Jox]", Billboard. February 17, 1996. p. 96. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

In 1997, Evergreen merged with Chancellor Broadcasting.Peers, Martin. "[https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/viacom-radio-signs-off-1117436106/ Viacom Radio Signs Off]", Variety. February 18, 1997. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

In late June 1998, Mancow left WRCX and joined 101.1 WKQX in late July.Multiple sources:

• {{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4436212.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505114638/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4436212.html|title=Mancow making switch to Q-101|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 22, 1998|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}
• Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-06-30-9806300324-story.html So Far, Muller's Mates Aren't Jumping Ship]", Chicago Tribune. June 30, 1998. Retrieved January 31, 2019. Bob & Tom replaced Muller in the morning drive slot.

WRCX's ratings plummeted after Muller's departure; in the Spring 1998 ratings period, the station was ranked 12th in the market with a 3.2 share (though the station did well in its primary target demographics of Men 18-34 and 25-54), but in the Summer of that year, the station fell to 19th place with a 2.0 share."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Ratings-Directories/RR-1998-2.pdf #3 Chicago]", Radio & Records Ratings Directory. Vol 1. 1998. p. 32. Retrieved April 20, 2019.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Ratings-Directories/R&R-1999-1-Fall-98.pdf #3 Chicago]", Radio & Records Ratings Directory. Vol 1. 1999. p. 40. Retrieved April 20, 2019. On October 29, 1998, Chancellor announced that WRCX would change formats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0wBVQmB3JY|title=ROCK 103.5 CHICAGO Final Broadcast. Part 1/3|via=YouTube}} A farewell show aired October 30, with the current and former DJs re-airing station memories (which included phone-calls from Lars Ulrich and Mancow), and a final goodbye from the station's departing staff.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coJxlM9IRP4|title=ROCK 103.5 CHICAGO Final Broadcast. Part 2/3|via=YouTube}}[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m7MDbaW6bw/ Rock 103.5 Chicago Final Broadcast 3/3]

The station continued its rock format (albeit jockless) until 5:30 p.m. on November 2, when, after playing "Sad but True" by Metallica, the station flipped to a rhythmic oldies format as "Chicago's Jammin' Oldies", branded first as "The New 103-5", then (after a "name the station" contest) as "The Beat".Jacobson, Adam. {{cite magazine|title=WRCX/Chicago Flips to 'Jammin' Oldies'|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1998/RR-1998-11-06.pdf|magazine=Radio & Records|date=November 6, 1998|pages=1, 23|access-date=January 31, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4469333.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505114748/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4469333.html|title=WRCX-FM firing up new oldies format|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=October 30, 1998|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://1035thebeat.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991105052415/http://1035thebeat.com/ |title=103.5 The Beat |publisher=The Beat |archive-date=November 5, 1999 |access-date=January 31, 2019|url-status=dead }}"[http://formatchange.com/rock-103-5-goes-jammin-oldies/ Rock 103.5 Goes Jammin Oldies]", Format Change Archive. Retrieved January 31, 2019. The first song on "The New 103-5" was "Get Ready" by The Temptations. Doug James was morning host on The Beat.{{cite web |url=http://1035thebeat.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991105052415/http://1035thebeat.com/ |title=Meet The Beat Airstaff |publisher=The Beat |archive-date=November 5, 1999 |access-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=dead}} On December 21, the station's call sign was changed to WUBT. In 2000, Larry Lujack was hired to host a program on Saturdays, which was repeated on Sundays.Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |url=http://www.1035thebeat.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017123519/http://www.1035thebeat.com/ |title=Lujack Is Back!! |publisher=WUBT |archive-date=October 17, 2000 |access-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=dead }}
• Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-07-27-0007270472-story.html Lujack Appears Ready to Jam on WUBT-FM]", Chicago Tribune. July 27, 2000. Retrieved February 1, 2019.

Chancellor merged with Capstar and restructured as AMFM, Inc. in 1999, and in 2000, merged with Clear Channel Communications.Multiple sources:

• "[https://adage.com/article/news/chancellor-amfm/25277/ Chancellor to Become AMFM Inc.]", Advertising Age. May 20, 1999. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
• "[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-30-fi-12696-story.html Clear Channel-AMFM Merger Gets Approval]", Associated Press. Los Angeles Times. August 30, 2000. Retrieved January 31, 2019.

On January 12, 2001, the station adopted a contemporary hit radio format as "Kiss 103.5".{{cite magazine|title=WUBT/Chicago Goes CHR/Pop|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-01-19.pdf|magazine=Radio & Records|date=January 19, 2001|pages=3, 22|access-date=February 1, 2019}} The final song on "The Beat" was "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and the first song on "Kiss" was "Get Ready for This" by 2 Unlimited."[http://formatchange.com/1035-the-beat-flips-from-rhythmic-oldies-to-chr-kiss-fm/ '103.5 The Beat' flips from Rhythmic Oldies to CHR 'Kiss-FM']", Format Change Archive. Retrieved February 1, 2019. The station's call sign became the current WKSC-FM on February 13. At the time of the flip, Big City Radio's WKIE, WKIF, and WDEK had collectively been known as "92 Kiss FM" (also with a CHR format) since 1998."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-2001-01.pdf M Street Bazaar... People, Products, and Programming]", The M Street Journal. Vol. 18, No. 03. January 17, 2001. p. 8. Retrieved February 1, 2019.Ross, Sean "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KBQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA63 Shebel Energizes WKIE With Dance]", Billboard. February 17, 2001. p. 63-64. Retrieved February 1, 2019. Clear Channel filed suit against Big City for the use of the "Kiss" name because Clear Channel owned the rights to it in most markets (and continues to do so as iHeartMedia).

The station carried the syndicated program Rick Dees Weekly Top 40, as well as American Top 40 (first with Casey Kasem and later with Ryan Seacrest).Multiple sources:

• {{cite web |url=http://www.kisschicago.com/pages/onair/weekends.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212052313/http://www.kisschicago.com/pages/onair/weekends.html |title=Kiss Weekends |publisher=103-5 KISS-FM|archive-date=December 12, 2005 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.kiss1035.com/music/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020603070025/http://www.kiss1035.com/music/ |title=Music |publisher=Kiss 103.5 |archive-date=June 3, 2002 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
• "[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/720-american-top-40-turns-40 American Top 40 Turns 40]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. June 30, 2010. Retrieved February 1, 2019. As of 2019, American Top 40 continues to air on the station."[https://1035kissfm.iheart.com/featured/at40/ AT40]", 103.5 KISS-FM. Retrieved February 1, 2019. Java Joel was the evening host of The Rubber Room on the station from 2001 until January 2005 when he was fired for comments that were deemed racist.Multiple sources:
• {{cite web |url=http://www.kiss1035.com/on-air/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020603123804/http://www.kiss1035.com/on-air/ |title=Kiss On-Air |publisher=Kiss 103.5 |archive-date=June 3, 2002 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
• "[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/multimedia/audio/6502-java-joel-vs-justin-timberlake-wksc-fm-4-23-03 Java Joel vs Justin Timberlake - WKSC-FM 4/23/03]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. April 23, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
• {{cite magazine |url=http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=61701 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050905204901/http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=61701 |title=Java Joel Too Hot For Chi-town CHR |magazine=FMQB |archive-date=September 5, 2005 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}} In 2002, the station adjusted its moniker from "KISS 103.5" to "103.5 KISS FM".Multiple sources:
• {{cite web |url=http://www.kiss1035.com:80/main.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803065629/http://www.kiss1035.com:80/main.php |title=KISS 103.5 Today's Hit Music |publisher=KISS 103.5 |archive-date=August 3, 2002 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web |url=http://kiss1035.com/main.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021002075104/http://kiss1035.com/main.php |title=The New 103.5 KISS-FM – Today's Hit Music |publisher=103.5 KISS-FM |archive-date=October 2, 2002 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=dead}} It continues to air On Air with Ryan Seacrest as well.

DreX was morning host on WKSC-FM from 2003 until 2010.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2010-12-15-ct-biz-1215-phil-20101215-story.html DreX out as Kiss FM morning host; CNN's Larry King exiting too]", Chicago Tribune. December 15, 2010. Retrieved February 1, 2019.

Nina Chantele joined WKSC-FM as midday host in 2006, remaining with the station until 2014."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/7018-iheartmedia-annual-december-firings-begin-wgci-and-wksc-staffers-gone iHeartMedia Annual December Firings Begin; WGCI and WKSC Staffers Gone]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. December 1, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2019.

From August 2007 until September 2009, Silly Jilly hosted nights on WKSC."[https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/10-questions/archive/5378/10-questions-with-silly-jilly 10 Questions with ... Silly Jilly]", All Access Music Group. September 8, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2019. Silly Jilly was replaced by Special K, who remained with the station until 2013."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/5804-special-k-exits-as-wksc-fm-night-dj-music-director Special K Exits As WKSC-FM Night DJ/Music Director]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 25, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2019.

In December 2010, it was announced that Charlotte's "Brotha Fred" would take over the morning show on KISS FM.{{cite news|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/17/1916452/brotha-fred-leaving-for-chicago.html|title=Brotha Fred hitting the road for Chicago|last=Washburn|first=Mark|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=December 17, 2010|access-date=February 1, 2019}} Angi Taylor and David L. joined Brotha Fred as co-hosts of the new morning show known as Brotha Fred's Neighborhood."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2259-wksc-fm-releases-david-l-from-brotha-freds-neighborhood WKSC-FM Releases David L From 'Brotha Fred's Neighborhood']", Chicagoland Radio and Media. February 1, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2019. David L. left the show in February 2012. The show was later renamed Fred and Angi in the Morning."[https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-on-again-off-again-not-meant-to-be-20160713-story.html On again, off again: Not meant to be?]", RedEye. July 14, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2019. In mid-September 2020, Taylor announced that she would be leaving the station to host mornings on sister station WCHI-FM. Fred still hosts WKSC's morning show, now known as "The Fred Show".

In November 2013, Brady joined the station as the night host and music director."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/123859/brady-joins-wksc-for-md-nights-duties Brady Joins WKSC For MD/Nights Duties]", All Access Music Group. October 30, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2019. In June 2015, Brady assumed afternoon and APD duties."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/142206/brady-named-apd-afternoon-drive-host-for-wksc-103- Brady Named APD/Afternoon Drive Host For WKSC (103.5 Kiss-FM)/Chicago]", All Access Music Group. June 8, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2019.

In October 2016, Erik Zachary was named as the new full-time evening personality"[https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/10/13/new-stars-night-kiss-fm-big-95-5/]", Robert Feder. October 13, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2020. and served in that position until August 2019 when he exited to pursue other opportunities."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/189173/wksc-103-5-kiss-fm-chicago-night-host-erik-zachary]", All Access Music Group. August 30, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2020.

From June 2006 to early 2013, WKSC-FM HD2 aired programming from "Pride Radio", a Top 40/Dance format targeting the LGBTQ community.{{cite press release|url=http://www.clearchannel.com/Radio/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1674 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825192733/http://www.clearchannel.com/Radio/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1674|title=Pride Radio Comes to Chicago! |publisher=ClearChannel |date=June 16, 2006 |archive-date=August 25, 2006|access-date=June 27, 2019}} This would change to iHeart's Dance/EDM network "Evolution". In November 2013, WKSC-FM HD2 changed to a smooth jazz format along with airport information as "Air Chicago Radio"."[https://www.flychicago.com/business/media/news/pages/article.aspx?newsid=954 AIR Chicago Radio Station for ORD and MDW Hits Airwaves]", Chicago Department of Aviation. November 25, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2019. In late 2018, WKSC's HD2 subchannel began broadcasting soft adult contemporary music as "The Breeze".Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2018/12/03/robservations-nexstar-acquire-wgn-tribune-media-deal/ Robservations: Nexstar to acquire WGN in Tribune Media deal]", RobertFeder.com. December 3, 2018. Retrieved February 12, 2019. This overlapped with its Soft AC sister station WLIT (93.9 Lite FM). On June 26, 2019, WKSC-FM HD2 returned to "Pride Radio"."[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/178258/iheartmedia-expands-pride-radio-to-12-additional-markets/ iHeartMedia Expands Pride Radio to 12 Additional Markets]", RadioInsight. June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 27, 2019.

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://1035kissfm.iheart.com/}}
• {{FM station data|74178|WKSC}}

• {{URL|https://www.scottchilders.com/timecapsule/TC3.htm|A tribute to 103.5 The Blaze!}}

{{Chicago Radio}}

{{Contemporary Hit Radio Stations in Illinois}}

{{KISS-FM radio stations}}

{{IHeartMedia}}

Category:1957 establishments in Illinois

Category:Contemporary hit radio stations in the United States

Category:IHeartMedia radio stations

Category:Radio stations established in 1957

KSC-FM

Category:RKO General