The station began broadcasting October 17, 1962, holding the call sign KQOT, and originally broadcast at 940 kHz.[1][2] In 1966, the station's frequency was changed to 930 kHz.[2] The station aired a rock format in the 1970s.[1][8] In 1979, the station's call sign was changed to KVGM, and it adopted a MOR format.[2][9]
In 1984, the station's call sign was changed to KBNG.[3] In 1985, its call sign was changed to KAJR.[4] In 1986, the station's call sign was changed to KZTA.[5] In February 1987, the station's call sign was changed back to KAJR, but was changed back to KZTA in June 1987.[5] As KZTA, the station aired a Spanish language format.[10][11]
In February 1996, the station's call sign was changed to KJOX, and it adopted a sports radio format, branded "Jocks 930".[12][13] In November 1997, the station's call sign was changed to KGER, and it adopted a religious format.[5][14][15] In June 1998, the station's call sign was changed to KYAK, with the station continuing to air a religious format.[5][16][17]
A license was granted on July 24, 2019, for KYAK to operate an FM translator on 96.1 mHz, K241CV. The translator went on shortly after. K241CV operates with a power of 180 watts, with strong coverage throughout the Yakima Valley.