By what methods did Kiss 108 WXKS-FM become a major Boston Top 40 station?

Let me clarify-are you asking about specific programming tactics, promotional stunts, or market timing that led to their success? Because I'd need to narrow that down before giving you a precise breakdown.

You need to understand that their rise was a textbook case of aggressive market positioning, but I would caution anyone replicating it today-the FCC is far more vigilant about payola and contest fraud than in the 1980s. They essentially combined a tight, heavily researched music playlist with wild, high-energy morning shows, but what really pushed them over the top was their use of massive, legally risky promotional events like concerts at the old Boston Garden. Check with your engineer before attempting any remote broadcasts near high-power lines or stadiums; we had a near miss with a transmitter overload during a live remote in 1991.