Through which music trends did KRBE shape its sound?

Back in the 1980s, KRBE really grabbed hold of the new wave and dance-pop explosion, stuff like synth-heavy tracks from Duran Duran and Madonna. It wasn't just about playing hits though-they'd mix in a harder rock edge with bands like Van Halen, which felt like a throwback to how AM stations would blend genres without a second thought. That blend of polished pop with a bit of grit gave them a sound that stood out from the cookie-cutter Top 40 stations we have today.