The station carried the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, which would be heard in the market for many years across multiple stations. Classic rock (1998–2000) In 1998, Frischling sold KXOK to the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owned ABC affiliate KDNL-TV, along with radio stations KPNT, WVRV, WIL-FM, and KIHT. In September of that year, the urban format was dropped, and the station began simulcasting KPNT. On September 25, KXOK began stunting with a 48-hour loop of "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses and a clip from Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." Two days later, KXOK switched formats to classic rock as "97 FM The Rock" while retaining the KXOK-FM call letters. To celebrate Mark McGwire hitting 70 home runs, the station launched by playing 7,000 songs in a row without commercials or DJ interruption. The first song on "The Rock" was "There's Only One Way to Rock" by Sammy Hagar. Despite signal issues, the station enjoyed the most success seen on the frequency to that date as a competitor to Emmis Communications' KSHE, at times beating them in the overall ratings. KSHE aired the syndicated Bob and Tom morning show, while KXOK countered with local hosts (and KSHE alumni) Randy Raley and Mike Doran. Other KXOK DJs included Tom O'Keefe (middays), Jason Mack (afternoons), and Michelle Matthews (evenings). Overnights were automated. The station began with a standard 1960s-70s classic rock format, but evolved to playing heavy does of 1980s hair bands. The station would also play occasional 1990s music from artists like Pearl Jam, The Black Crowes, and Cracker (band). Talk (2000–present) In the fall of 2000, Emmis Communications added to its St. Louis radio portfolio by purchasing properties from Sinclair Broadcasting, which wanted to focus on its television properties. The sale to Emmis led KXOK and KSHE to become sister stations. Upon purchasing KXOK, and to avoid overlap with KSHE, KXOK changed formats to talk radio on October 16, 2000; the call letters changed to KFTK two days later. Initially, the station focused on a female audience, which included such syndicated personalities as Bob and Sheri, Dr. Joy Browne, Clark Howard, Dr. Laura, Phil Hendrie, Rhona at Night, Loveline, and John and Jeff, as well as local host Dave Glover. The station used the name "97.1 FM Talk". Failing to reach much of an audience, the station shifted toward more political talk