For many years, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, KIST was a premier top 40 music station. Under the ownership of Joseph Patterson "Patt" Wardlaw, Jr., who purchased Western States Radio in 1960, KIST not only played the popular music of the day but also claimed one of the finest news broadcasting teams in the Santa Barbara area. The station won awards from the Southern California Broadcasters Association for its coverage of the Sycamore Fire in 1977.
For many years, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, KIST was a top-rated music station. Under the ownership of Joseph Patterson "Patt" Wardlaw, Jr., who purchased Western States Radio in 1960, KIST not only played popular music but also boasted one of the best news broadcasting teams in the Santa Barbara area. The station won awards from the Southern California Broadcasters Association for its coverage of the Sycamore Fire in 1977.