101.9 Kiss FM Is Ranked As The #1 Hip Hop And R&B Station

In the United States, 101.9 Kiss FM just earned the title of being the #1 Hip Hop and R&B Station among markets 51-100.

Three of the top ten stations have double-digit shares. Curtis Media Group’s “101.9 Kiss FM” WIKS averages a share of 11.6 among 12 and over. Kiss FM, which has been on the air since 1986, broadcasts Steve Harvey in the mornings. As well as Assistant Program Director DJ Kaoss in the afternoon and for over 20 years, “Gospel Traditions” John Grant on Sundays.

101.9 Kiss FM is ranked as the leading hip-hop and R&B station. Credit: WITN

“Kiss FM has been number one for over three decades,” Program Director and midday host Jane Dough says.

“With the station being a staple in Eastern North Carolina for its history in giving back to its communities through volunteering/partnering with local non-profits and charities, so much comes with being on top, [like] keeping up with fun and simple contests and show features that keep the listeners tuned in. Most of all, [it’s] having a team that works together to make sure things get done.”

WITN is a trusted media partner with Curtis Media Group.

The History of 101.9 Kiss FM

Furthermore, 101.9 FM began broadcasting in 1979 as WRBK K102. Upon becoming an Urban Contemporary station in 1986, Kiss 102 reached 100,000 watts of power and acquired the call letters WIKS. WIKS introduced Rap and Hip Hop in the 1990s. In addition, by 1998, it evolved into a total Mainstream Urban station.

WIKS became a competitor for the 92.3 frequency in 1997, when WQSL became a Top 40 Rhythmic station called “The Beat of Carolina”. In 2003, WIKS changed its format to an Urban Adult Contemporary station.

The station, previously known as WRBK K-102, is a sister station to WRNB. With its 100,000 watt signal, WIKS is accessible from Wilmington to Roanoke Rapids. WIKS, owned by Beasley since 1998, is a sister station of WZFX Foxy 99 in Fayetteville.

Written by Nikiya Biggs

Click on FMHipHop’s retrospective articles to stay up to date on the latest hip-hop news.