The station began as KWBG-FM in 1975, a local Boone, Iowa radio station.[1] In 1991, the station started to target the Des Moines, Iowa area with a country music format with callsigns KIAB "K98" from 1991 to 1993. The station then became KRUU known as "The Rooster" from 1993–1996, also with a country music format before becoming KRKQ on January 12, 1996.[2]
As KRKQ, the station took on the nickname of "98 Rock," featuring a classic rock format that competed with longtime ratings leader KGGO, as well as the syndicated "Bob & Tom Show." In 2000, the station's format was tweaked to classic hits as "Magic 98.3" after owner Barnstable Communications acquired KGGO. A short time later, the format was changed to adult contemporary as "98.3 the River."
Barnstable sold all of its Des Moines stations to Wilks Broadcasting in 2001; the stations were sold to Citadel Broadcasting in 2003. On November 11 of that year, Citadel changed KRKQ's format to talk radio as "WOW-FM, the Capital's Big Talker." The Bob & Tom Show was the only program that carried over to the new format. The station's callsign was changed to KBGG-FM shortly afterwards.[3] On December 28, 2004, the callsigns became KWQW. The Bob & Tom Show remained on the station until December 30, 2011, when it was moved to KGGO. In 2005, Paul Harvey became part of the station's lineup after WHO dropped the show.
Citadel merged with Cumulus Media in September 2011.[4]
On May 28, 2021, at Midnight, KWQW flipped to Top 40/CHR, maintaining the "Vibe" branding. With the shift in format, KWQW became the third contemporary hits-based FM station in the Des Moines radio market, which is as many as the market has ever had in more than 30 years. Thus far the station has struggled in the Neilsen overall ratings, mostly staying in the 1 share range. [8]
