KBAC

KBAC (98.1 FM, "Radio Free Santa Fe") is a commercial radio station located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, broadcasting to the Santa Fe, New Mexico, area. KBAC airs an adult album alternative music format.

KBAC has a playlist that is more eclectic then other commercial adult album alternative radio stations; airing a wide range of music from blues, acoustic, reggae, jazz, alternative, world music.

History

KBAC first signed on in 1989 and has always had an eclectic music format but has only been known as "Radio Free Santa Fe" since 1996. Prior to that it leaned more toward an Alternative rock format. It was purchased by Clear Channel in 2000 but was able to continue running its eclectic format. In 2002, Clear Channel moved KBAC to the 104.1 frequency which made the station more easily available in Albuquerque. However Clear Channel was not impressed with the results and added more classic rock tracks to the format attempting to get better ratings in Albuquerque. This also got complaints from its long-time listeners and in late 2003 KBAC moved back to 98.1. Clear Channel had moved the classic rock format that had previously been on 104.1 (KLSK-FM) to 98.1 until KBAC returned. KBAC has had translators in Albuquerque in the past but it can no longer be heard in Albuquerque. Since 2007 the 98.1 frequency in Albuquerque has been home to translator K251AU making it nearly impossible to pick up KBAC there.