On January 8, 1958, the Federal Communications Commission granted a construction permit to Franklin Mieuli to build and operate a new San Francisco FM station on 106.9 megacycles with a power of 16,600 watts. Mr. Mieuli had various business interests, including ownership of a sports club in San Francisco, as well as being the producer of San Francisco Giants baseball broadcasts on KSFO and the Golden West Radio Network following the team’s move from New York in Spring 1958.
KPUP made its debut on the air on Thursday, December 10, 1959. Studios of the new independent station were located at 505 Geary Street, San Francisco. In addition to being the station’s owner, Franklin Mieuli also served as KPUP’s first general manager.
In mid-July 1960, KPUP changed call letters to KHIP and inaugurated an All Jazz music format. Monty Bancroft became its general manager in early 1961.
On July 1, 1962, Franklin Mieuli sold KHIP to Leon A. (Lee) Crosby. The $146,000 sale of KHIP gained FCC approval on June 13. Mr. Crosby then became President and General Manager of KHIP, which changed call letters to KMPX (for “MultiPleX“) in mid-August 1962, concurrent with the beginning of multiplex stereo operation by the station.