KRKE, however, generated low ratings, and since July 2013, faced additional competition from KABQ-FM, which featured a 1970s-centric version of the format. In early 2014, the format had been shifting to focus more on music from the 1980s. On May 12 of that year, at 12:00 p.m., 1550 and 94.5 re-branded as "94-5 The 80's Channel" with an all-80s hits format, making it the first time this format has aired in the Albuquerque market since KKOB-FM dropped the format in late 2002.
KRKE, however, generated low ratings and faced increased competition from KABQ-FM, which featured a retro 1970s format. In early 2014, KRKE's format began to shift towards an 1980s music focus. On May 12, 2014, KRKE re-launched as "94-5 The 80's Channel" with an all-80s hits format, marking the first time this format had aired in the Albuquerque market since KKOB-FM dropped it in late 2002.