Family Radio acquired KEAR in 1959 and aired its Christian religious programming on the frequency for nearly 20 years. On September 13, 1978, Family Radio purchased a much stronger frequency, which saw KEAR and the religious format move to 106.9, as part of a three-way deal that also saw KCBS-FM move from 98.9 MHz to 97.3 MHz. KCBS-FM, known as "97K", programmed a hot adult contemporary format. Over the years, the station evolved in more of a classic hits direction. For a time, 97K aired the syndicated "American Top 40", a countdown show starring Casey Kasem.