KBYZ

Last updated

KBYZ
Broadcast area Bismarck-Mandan
Frequency 96.5 MHz
Branding96.5 The Walleye
Programming
Format Mainstream rock
Affiliations Compass Media Networks
Ownership
Owner
KACL, KKCT, KLXX, KUSB
History
First air date
1984
Former call signs
KYSX (1983–1984)
Call sign meaning
BYZ (substitute for "is") marck
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
 FCC
Facility ID 43221
Class C1
ERP 100,000 watts
HAAT 293.6 meters
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen Live
Website 965thewalleye.com

KBYZ (96.5 FM), known as "96.5 The Walleye", is a radio station located in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States, owned by Townsquare Media.

Contents

Townsquare Media also owns KLXX 1270 (Talk), KKCT 97.5 (CHR), KACL 98.7 (Classic Hits), and KUSB 103.3 (Country) in the Bismarck-Mandan area. All the studios are at 4303 Memorial Highway in Mandan, along with the AM transmitter and tower. All the FM transmitters are at a site in Saint Anthony, North Dakota, on 57th Road.

History

The station first signed on the air in 1984 with an Adult Contemporary format, using the branding "Z-96." The original call sign for the frequency was KYSX from 1983 to 1984. [2]

The format transitioned to Classic Rock in the early 1990s, where it remained for nearly two decades, using the branding "The Fox." Following an ownership change, the station began evolving its playlist in the mid-2000s to include newer rock content, creating a Mainstream Rock approach. [2] On December 11, 2021, the station dropped the "Fox" branding and began a five-day format stunt before rebranding as "96.5 The Walleye" on December 16, 2021.

The station's current ownership began in 2012 when Townsquare Media acquired the Bismarck cluster, including KBYZ, from Cumulus Media Inc. The acquisition involved 55 stations in 11 markets. [3] [4]

In 2013, the station rebranded itself as "The New Evolution of Classic rock" and began playing more 80's and 90's-based rock. The station also dropped The Bob and Tom Show, opting for Grand Rapids-based Free Beer and Hot Wings, to anchor the station's morning show.

KBYZ 96.5 (logo).png

References

  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KBYZ". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. 1 2 Venta, Lance (December 16, 2021). "KBYZ Revamps Classic Rock Format As 96.5 The Walleye". RadioInsight. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Townsquare Media Acquires Stations From Cumulus Media". Townsquare Media, LLC. April 30, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Cumulus Media sells 53 radio stations in 12 U.S. cities to Townsquare Media for $238 million". Jones Day. Retrieved December 6, 2025.

46°35′24″N100°47′49″W / 46.590°N 100.797°W / 46.590; -100.797

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