In 1980, the station adopted one of the first full-time commercial alternative rock formats in the country. Up to that point, Pasadena-based KROQ-FM and stations in Phoenix, Seattle, and New York City had attempted such formats. KROQ notwithstanding, most commercial attempts at alternative rock were short-lived. KNAC began using the slogan "Rock and Rhythm" and programmed a mix of "new wave", techno, punk, and some classic rock from the 1950s and 1960s. The station gathered media attention, but it was dwarfed by KROQ-FM's stellar ratings and Rick Carroll-consulted "Rock of the 80s" Alternative format. In late 1985, KNAC was acquired by Fred Sands, a Los Angeles-based realtor.
