If you grew up anywhere near the Rio Grande, you know that the radio dial behaves a little differently in the 915. It’s a place where signals don't care about passport control. You’re driving down Mesa Street, and suddenly a song in English fades out, replaced by a high-energy "Ponte Exa!" drop. That’s Exa FM El Paso, and honestly, it’s been the soundtrack of the border for so long that we almost take it for granted.
But here’s the thing: people get confused about where it actually comes from. Some folks swear it’s a local El Paso station, while others insist it’s purely Mexican. The truth is a bit of both, and that’s exactly why it works.
The 98.3 Frequency and the "Border Blaster" Legacy
Let’s clear up a major misconception right away. If you’re searching for Exa FM El Paso on 95.5, you’re going to be disappointed. That’s KLAQ territory—the home of rock in El Paso for decades. If you want the pop, the reggaeton, and the Top 40 hits that define the Exa brand, you’ve gotta find 98.3 FM.
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The station's call letters are technically XHPX-FM. In the radio world, that "X" at the start is a dead giveaway that the transmitter is located in Mexico. Specifically, it’s sitting way up on Cerro de la Bola in Ciudad Juárez. Because that transmitter is so high up, the signal blasts across the border like it’s not even there, blanketing the entire El Paso metropolitan area.
Back in 2005, the station made a pretty bold move. They shifted most of their actual operations—the studios, the offices, the "boots on the ground"—across the river into El Paso. It was a strategic play by MVS Radio, the media giant that owns the Exa brand. They realized that to truly dominate the market, they needed to be where the listeners were shopping, eating, and hanging out.
What Makes Exa FM El Paso Different?
Most radio stations are either "Spanish" or "English." Exa FM El Paso is... well, it’s just El Paso. It’s what we call Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), but with a bilingual soul. You might hear the latest Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa track followed immediately by Bad Bunny or Shakira.
It mirrors the way people actually talk in this region. We jump between languages mid-sentence. We call it Spanglish, and Exa FM has mastered the art of broadcasting in it.
- The Vibe: It's high-octane. The announcers don't just talk; they perform.
- The Reach: It’s not just a radio station; it’s an event brand. If there’s a major concert at the Don Haskins Center, chances are the orange Exa vans are parked outside.
- The Connection: Since it’s owned by MVS Radio, it’s part of a massive international network. We’re talking stations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ecuador. But the El Paso/Juárez feed feels deeply local.
Honestly, the station's longevity is impressive. In an era where everyone is glued to Spotify or TikTok, a "border blaster" like XHPX 98.3 still pulls massive numbers. Why? Because you can't get local traffic, border wait times, and the specific "Juárez-El Paso energy" from an algorithm in Silicon Valley.
The MVS Factor and the "Ponte Exa" Movement
You can't talk about Exa FM El Paso without talking about MVS Radio. They are the architects behind the brand. They took a format that was originally Stereorey—which was much more "smooth jazz and soft adult contemporary"—and flipped it into this vibrant, orange-branded pop machine in the early 2000s.
It was a gamble that paid off. By targeting Mexican-American teens and young adults, they captured a demographic that was largely being ignored by traditional "old school" Spanish radio.
I remember when the "Exa Party" concerts were the biggest thing in town. They weren't just shows; they were cultural markers. That's the power of the brand. It’s why people still look for the live stream on the Exa FM app even when they move away from the border. They want that specific mix of music that reminds them of home.
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How to Listen and Stay Connected
If you’re looking to tune in today, you’ve got options. Obviously, 98.3 FM is the go-to if you’re in your car. But if you’re outside the broadcast range, the digital footprint is pretty solid.
- The App: MVS has a unified Exa FM app. You just download it and select the El Paso/Juárez station from the list.
- iHeartRadio & TuneIn: Because of its unique cross-border status, you can find the station on most major US streaming platforms. It’s often listed as "EXA 98.3 El Paso."
- Social Media: Follow them on Twitter (X) at @exaelpaso. It’s usually the fastest way to see what giveaways they’re doing or which artist is stopping by the booth.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a local business owner or just a fan of the culture, don’t ignore the power of this frequency. To get the most out of your Exa experience:
- Check the Lineup: Look for shows featuring Arturo Ortíz or the "AT&T Re-Conecta" segments with Chama Gamez. These guys know the city better than almost anyone.
- Watch for Live Events: Keep an eye on their "Exa Party" announcements. These are often free or low-cost ways to see major Latin pop stars before they hit the massive arenas.
- Use the App for Border Times: Seriously, the local DJs often give real-time updates on the bridge delays (Santa Fe, Libre, and Zaragoza) which is a lifesaver during rush hour.
Exa FM El Paso isn't just a frequency; it's a bridge. In a world that often tries to emphasize the line between the two cities, 98.3 FM is a constant reminder that the music, the culture, and the people are one and the same.