KLIF (AM) - Call Sign History

Call Sign History

The call letters KLIF achieved recognition in radio broadcasting through the efforts of Gordon McLendon. The station which formerly broadcast music and talk on 1190 AM, was Dallas' and one of the nation's biggest Top 40 radio stations. It virtually defined 1950s and 1960s Top 40 radio. Playing Top 40 music during the 1950s and 1960s, it achieved an over 50 share, an unparalleled ratings success.

The station saw success in music and talk radio broadcasting. In 1954 1190 KLIF switched from a more varied music programming approach to one that focused on hit music with periodic news. McLendon collected the names of local leaders in business and government working them into news on the station. McLendon said there were only two things that radio could compete with television on "music and news". KLIF-AM was headquartered at KLIF Triangle Point Studios from 1964 to 1980. It is a street front building with large windows where pedestrians and Downtown Dallas shoppers could look in the studio and see the action of live broadcasts. KLIF-AM was known for its promotions which included top 40 survays with photo shoots of the broadcasters. Other types of photos were of the broadcast staff at live promotion events. KLIF-AM did live shows in different parts of Dallas. The announcers often toured the city in the KLIF radio vehicles. When FM radio took over Top 40 music during the late 1970s, the station lost its dominance in Top 40 music and later switched to talk radio. The KLIF call letters and format were moved to 570 AM in 1990. The frequency KLIF formerly occupied now hosts competitor news station KFXR.