featured a short playlist of only current hit songs, with heavy repetition, frequent jingles and fast-talking air personalities. The original DJ lineup on 105 KITS consisted of program director Jeff Hunter 6–9a.m., followed by Doug Ritter 9a.m.–Noon, Gary Robbins Noon–3p.m., Todd Parker 3–7p.m., Richard Sands 7–midnight, and Rick Neal (George Fryer) midnight–6am, Mark Van Gelder was 105 KITS first Production Director, Annette Parks (daughter of pioneer broadcaster and Miss America Pageant Host Bert Parks) was the station's news director, and Michele Meisner (formerly of San Francisco's Fantasy Studios) was music director. When Hot Hits debuted, it was a ratings success. In 1983, San Francisco only had one Top 40 station, the legendary KFRC. The following year, KMEL flipped from album-oriented rock to CHR, giving KITS new FM competition. Due to losing their core listening audience to KITS and KMEL, KFRC would switch to adult standards in 1986. The 105 KITS studios were a popular place with celebrities. Visits were common from movie and TV stars such as Bette Midler, Tom Cruise, Pat Morita, George Takei, Anthony Perkins and others. The celebs didn't usually make it on the air, but they toured the studios in San Francisco's Merchandise Mart just to see what the industry buzz was all about. Modern rock 1985–1997 Modern rock station KQAK "The Quake" changed formats in 1985, leaving San Francisco without a station specializing in the genre. Fans were eager for another station to pick up the format. During this time, KITS personality Steve Masters began experimenting with modern rock on his evening show and the reaction was quite positive. Over time, KITS dropped the "Hot Hits" approach. It remained a mainstream CHR station but began a gradual musical shift, incorporating modern rock songs into the Top 40 playlist. By October 1986, KITS had completely dropped the pop and rhythmic artists from the playlist and became a pure modern rock station. The station's new moniker became "Live 105" under program director Richard Sands and music director Steve Masters. The music ranged from mainstream alternative rock, imports, dance music, and even classic songs from pioneering artists such as Lou Reed, David Bowie and T-Rex. Live 105 became a national influence on the format and the sole source of radio exposure for such artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. The DJ lineup remained relatively stable from 1986 through 1997, and included Masters, Big Rick Stuart, Mark Hamilton,