History
KIX 106, as it was then known, and sister station FM104.7 (now Hit 104.7) were Australia's first supplementary FM licencees, as well as being the first new commercial FM radio stations licensed in Australia since 1980. KIX 106 was a supplementary licence of Canberra AM station 2CC, and FM104 a supplementary licence of AM station 2CA.
The station officially opened at 8am on 27 February 1988, with an inaugural broadcast hosted by Frank Fursey. Dennis Clairs was on air from midday until 3pm and Peter Mobbs from 3 pm to 6 pm with the KIX Party Mix from 6pm until midnight.[3] KIX carried an iconic eagle mascot, using 'the eagle' as a nick-name for the station. On its first weekend of programs, KIX offered 10-in-a-row 'music sweeps', focusing on a teenage audience.[4]
Six years after launch, station manager Steven Pead announced Capital City Broadcasters would re-brand to focus on an older demographic, having finished fifth in eight consecutive ratings surveys. On 12 February 1994, the station became as 'the new' 106.3 Canberra FM and would follow a similar 'soft' format to Melbourne's TTFM.[5][6][7]
In March 1997, due to flat advertising conditions bought about by Commonwealth public sector cuts, ARN – owner of Mix 106.3 & 2CC, and Austereo – owner of 104.7 and 2CA, formed a joint venture ownership of both FM stations – Canberra FM Pty Ltd.[8][9] The AM stations were sold off, and are currently operated by a joint-venture between Capital Radio Network and Grant Broadcasters.
In January 2020, the station received a new logo, with a similar branding to the rest of the KIIS Network.[10][11]
In March 2022, the station switched from the KIIS Network to the Pure Gold Network due to its format shifting towards classic hits, with shows like the Kyle & Jackie O Hour of Power replaced by Jonesy & Amanda's JAM Nation.
On 9 September 2022, Bronte and Wilko retired from the station.[12]
In July 2023, the station received a 25.7% rating in the Canberra radio ratings, consolidating its Canberra radio lead.[13]
