98.9 signed on in 1988 at 99.1 FM as KLTD, “Kool 99 FM” with the Satellite Music Network’s “Kool Gold” format by Adams Broadcasting, which eventually spun off the Kool Gold format to Dial Global. In 1993, KLTD changed calls to KUTZ and format to hard rock as part of the Satellite Music Network-Z Rock Network.

In 1996, 98.9 FM changed to news/talk as KJFK, which lasted until September 2000 when Border Media Partners acquired the station and changed formats to Rock AC as “The Hill”, KHHL. Later, 98.9 FM became Spanish CHR, “Exitos 98.9”, and then “La Ley 98.9” with a Regional Mexican format.

The Regional Mexican format lasted until November 29, 2009, when Bain Capital took over most of the assets of the Austin, Texas cluster of Border Media Partners, and changed formats to talk radio as “98.9 The Big Talker” and new calls KXBT.