K285EU
| Company type | Commercial radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | San Antonio , United States |
| Products | Classic country music radio programming, live baseball coverage |
| Owner | Cox Media Group |
KKYX operates on the 680 kHz frequency as a commercial AM radio station licensed in San Antonio, Texas. Owned by Cox Media Group, it features a classic country format that highlights popular tracks from the 1950s through the 1990s. The station also broadcasts live play-by-play coverage of the San Antonio Missions, a team in the Texas League (Minor League Baseball). Its studios are situated on Data Point Drive in Northwest San Antonio, close to the South Texas Medical Center.
During daytime hours, KKYX transmits at 50,000 watts with a non-directional signal. Because 680 AM is designated as a clear channel frequency, the station lowers its output to 10,000 watts at night and employs a directional antenna system consisting of four towers to minimize interference. The transmitter site is located off FM471 in Medina County, Texas, roughly 10 miles west of Downtown San Antonio. Additionally, KKYX’s programming is accessible via FM translator K285EU at 104.9 MHz in Mendoza, operating at 250 watts.
History
The station began broadcasting in the fall of 1926 under the call letters KCGM, initially running at just 10 watts with limited content. By December of that year, its lineup included weather updates, music requests, and travel information. In connection with San Antonio’s Chamber of Commerce campaign branding the city as "America's Playground," owner Robert Bridge changed the call sign to KTAP, symbolizing "Kum to America's Playground."
Over time, the station underwent several call sign changes including KABC, KGBS, KENS, and KBAT before settling on KKYX on September 4, 1972. Since adopting this identifier, it has consistently programmed country music and emerged as a prominent platform for country artists throughout South Texas. In the 1970s and early 1980s, KKYX was ranked among the nation’s top ten country music radio stations.
A notable figure in the station’s history is former morning host Jerry King, who was inducted into the Country DJ Hall Of Fame and retired in 2018 after an extensive 53-year career in radio, with 43 years spent at KKYX.
Coverage area
KKYX reaches a wide area across southern Texas, covering both the San Antonio and Austin radio markets as well as regions near Victoria, Texas. Its Grade B signal extends into the markets of Corpus Christi and Houston. The station estimates its listening audience spans approximately 100 counties.