KZCH signed on in 1978 at 95.9 MHz, and initially aired a Top 40 format as KDRB, "K-96", which had studios located in its city of license (Derby), and a transmitter near Haysville. In 1980, KDRB flipped to country as KGCS. In 1983, KGCS flipped to a country/adult contemporary hybrid as KYMG-FM, "Magic 96", which would then change calls to KAKZ. A year later, the station flipped to an automated oldies format, but would revert to AC the following year as KRZZ. The station flipped to its long-running classic rock format in the summer of 1986. To improve their coverage area, in 1987, KRZZ relocated its transmitter to a location near I-235 and South Broadway in south Wichita, which would then be changed to another location near I-135 and 21st Street in north Wichita. The station would also increase its signal strength to 50,000 watts, and relocate to 96.3 MHz, in early 1991.