As KFTE (1991–2010)
A construction permit was first issued for a new 96.5 MHz FM station on April 19, 1991.[2] JBC Inc. (doing business as ComCorp of Lafayette License Corporation) was the owner.[3] Licensed on November 15, 1992, the station first signed on with call sign KFTE on May 1, 1993. Its format was easy listening.[4][5]
In July 1993, the Mid-Acadiana Broadcasting Corporation purchased KFTE. The price tag was $517,750 plus debt cancellation from ComCorp.[6] KFTE began using the brand "Cool 96.5" in 1994.[7]
Beer wholesale company Schilling Distributing Company purchased KFTE and KMDL for a combined $1.55 million in 1994.[8][9] In 1996, Schilling changed the format of KFTE from easy listening to 1970s oldies.[10][11]
In 1996, ComCorp bought back KFTE, along with KMDL, from Schilling Distributing. The total price was nearly $4.5 million.[12] On January 22, 1997, ComCorp flipped KFTE's format to alternative rock, with the brand "Planet Radio 96.5".[13][11]
On August 29, 2001, Regent Communications (later Townsquare Media) reached an agreement to buy KFTE and six other radio stations from ComCorp. The price was over $39 million.[14]
As KPEL-FM (2010–present)
On June 25, 2010, KFTE switched call signs and formats with KPEL-FM at 105.1 MHz. KFTE's rock format moved to 105.1, while KPEL-FM's news/talk format moved to 96.5 MHz.[15]
In June 2020, early afternoon host Carol Ross decided to end her program and leave the station.[16] On March 15, 2025, KPEL-FM began carrying Erick Erickson on weekdays from WSB Atlanta.[17]