UTRadioGuide.com

Johnson and Johnson OUT at K-Bull 93

2011-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Trade magazine site Radio-Info reports the 13-year-running duo, Joe Johnson and Tommy Johnson have lost building access to 434 Bearcat Drive. Which I suspect will make hosting mornings on KUBL (93.3 FM) a tad difficult tomorrow morning. Details coming ...

U92: Station of the Year, 2010

2011-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Trade magazine FMQB (Friday Morning Quarterback) is picking Millcreek/Simmons' little KUUU (92.5 FM) as its Rhythmic Station of the Year.

The station's program director, Kevin Cruise, also takes Rhythmic Program Director of the Year --- an almost nerdly-looking white face among pictures of influential industry executives and radio programmers who are traditionally back or Hispanic.

Cruise admitted to the magazine in 2008 that Salt Lake City's ad dollars market is extremely competitive. He says it's not easy trying to take a stab at the whitest market in the nation with a format that typically does well with minority groups.

"Hip-Hop is mainstream now," Cruise said. "We have a wide range of listeners from the white kids who love Hip-Hop to the Hispanics who identify with the Chicano rappers. Salt Lake City may not be the most diverse city in the country, but Hip-Hop culture and Hip-Hop music doesn’t live in just the most diverse cities. We’re really proving that with the level of passion our audience shows for this format."

Read more: http://fmqbinsider.com/Article.asp?id=2046090
Read the 2008 interview: http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=557589

News notes: Citadel has revived The End (101.9 FM). Their run with 90s-based "Gen-X Music" barely made it half-a-year, and the 6+ numbers were dropping below a 1.0-share. The sweepers blatantly say "We made a mistake," etc. An interesting (and refreshingly honest) marketing tactic.

Some may compare it to Clear Channel's run with KISN (97.1) as an 80s-based "The 80s and More" format about a decade ago. That station lasted over two years, but to be fair Clear Channel also threw more resources at it. KISN continued it's morning show, "Fisher, Todd, and Erin" for most of the station's run, along with afternoon host Brian Foxx (DeGauss). Whereas "The End" had Scott Shannon on sweepers, and that's about all.

Rumors swirling that Chunga may return to mornings, but there's no leaks out of 434 Bearcat Drive to pin that down.

KSL Features Robert Lund

2010-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

I spotted a nice feature on KSL this evening, featuring one of Salt Lake's most-famous/unknown radio voices. As I understand, Robert Lund worked with Citadel for a time, creating parodies for KUBL and KBEE. He and Pat Gray even released a hilarious Christmas CD that I've sadly misplaced.

Today Lundy has meandered into the commercial jingle biz, creating horribly catchy melodies for Low Book Sales and making song parodies to sell botox.

Half Effort, No Result

2009-11-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Sell the helicopter. Close up shop at Airwatch. The traffic report is dead.

That's what a new report claims. It simply says younger audiences, like myself, don't want to hear them anymore. Must have something to do with the fact Americans are giving up driving, forever riding unicycles to their destinations instead.

The report says:

"The region's top-rated pop station, KIIS-FM, recently dropped afternoon traffic reports after AMP-FM, a new Top 40 station received higher ratings without traffic updates."

Probably since most people in their 20s are unemployed, still live with mom and dad, and don't have a driver's license. But that's beside the point.

Radio is once again listening to the worst possible place: A consultant who can promise them a quick way to reduce capital expenses:

"Metro Traffic, a division of Westwood One Inc., began consolidating its 60 traffic reporting operations around the nation last year to just 13. "

GPS, cell phones, and in-car Wi-Fi mean fewer people needing to listen to the radio, they say. But that's okay. "Airwatch has a growing service providing traffic updates directly to navigational units in vehicles."

Let me level with you as a 25 year old: A white flag ain't a great business plan.

I am more than willing to shift permanently away from radio for news and traffic information if that's the industry's desire. But let me warn you, once I and my fellow Gen Y'ers break our radio habit, we will never come back.

Translation: Your business will be dead. Over. Gone. Sell the spectrum (like you did the helicopter) and go into the Wi-Fi business.

May I propose a contrary option: Expand traffic reports into explanations of the problem, rather than raw data. My Garmin can tell me there is "a crash southbound I-15 at 90th South." Only a radio station can tell me that "a Walmart truck swerved to avoid a stalled car and tipped over just before the Sandy construction zone, blocking the three left lanes." A traffic jam is much more bearable if a listener knows why they have to wait.

That requires hiring people who can call U.H.P., talk with listeners on the phone, and (ideally) fly overhead and look. GPS will never replace that.

The decision is yours. Invest in your product now and keep the business alive awhile, or wave the white flag now. Don't worry. We Gen Y'ers will one day be happy to chop up the FM spectrum for cheap internet access.

Delilah Disallusionment

2009-11-27T10:07:00.001-08:00

An acquaintance of mine writes on her Facebook:

"I was listening to Delilah the other night and this lady was talking about her divorce & how she had these incredible girlfriends that were there for her through the whole dreadful process. She asked Delilah to pick a song for those she was most thankful for ... Delilah chose to play 'Mele Kalikmaka' ... I would be ticked!"

Let's face it. Cost-cutting programming like "Delilah" can fall horrifically short on its mission to convince listeners that the show is live and local. In this case, Delilah's local music-insert system (a strong point P.D.'s might say) backfired terribly in context of the programming.

A bit scarier to consider: "Delilah" is one of syndicated radio's better-implemented shows. So many others are much, much worse. Yet, the show's execution is excellent, and it pulls a loyal audience base.

Another friend:

"My wife and I were listening in the car one night, and a woman called in talking about how happy/grateful she was about her upcoming 60th wedding anniversary and how much she loves her husband, and asked for a song. Delilah picked 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' by Neil Diamond, which conveys pretty much the exact opposite emotions."

In the end, the lack of local investment will one day end with a lack of local listeners.

Swallowing My Pride

2009-11-24T21:37:00.001-08:00

Well, I've had a number of reasons for not updating the old radio guide site.

I'm ashamed to admit that technological snobbery has been a big part of it. I owned 100% of my code on the old site. Every single page you see there was hand-crafted with some help from Microsoft Frontpage '98.

But that meant any change to the dial involved having to re-code dozens of pages. Life got busier.

I'm now happy to embrace blogger for news and my thoughts. Wikipedia will soon take over the job of AM and FM dial pages. And YouTube will help me upload more airchecks than ever before.

Cheers!

And now, for no apparent reason:

Here's an aircheck from Boston, twenty-five years ago.

Clear Channel to Shannon(s): Out!

2007-05-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

CLEAR CHANNEL SALT FIRES DICKIE AND ANGEL SHANNON, MORNINGS ON KODJ, AFTER 10 YEARS ON THE AIR! SHANNON TELLS THE DESERET MORNING NEWS "We didn't have a chance to say goodbye to our listeners." ARTICLE HERE

Rocky v. Hannity Coverage

2007-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

For better or worse....the Rocky v. Hannity debate is tonight!

Those of you who want to cheer, heckle, or just watch two guys who are very.... mmm, opinionated .... shout at each other at the University of Utah's Kingbury Hall can set your TVs, radios, and TiVos to the following:

KSTU "Fox 13" ..... 8:00 P.M.
KSL 1160/102.7 ..... 8:30 P.M.
(Web) KSL.com .... 8:30 P.M.

There will be no coverage on KSL TV-5.

Justin Riley to KKOB

2007-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Is this Salt Lake reunion week in the news or what?

Former Star 102.7 afternoon man Justin "J.J." Riley has been named program director of KKOB-FM "93.3 KOB" in Albuquerque by none other than .... former KKAT afternoon man Eddie Haskell. Haskell is now the operations manager of Citadel Albuquerque, according to All Access.

The move brings the two former crosstown competitors into the same building.

Danny Ryan to Boise?

2007-04-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Word on the street: Eagle afternoon jock Danny Ryan has taken a position in Boise. His last day may be Friday.

Justin Taylor is expected to fill in Ryan's spot until a permanent replacement can be found. Good luck Danny!

Former U92 Jock is Movin' to Seattle

2007-04-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Former KUUU "U92" night jock Pat Clark, has been tapped for mornings at KQMV "Movin 92.5" in Seattle.

Clark left U92's "Clark After Dark" last year for a position with WXSS "KISS FM" in Milwaukee, WI. Good luck Pat!

KCPW Adds "Fair Game"

2007-02-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

KCPW stated in a press release that it has added "Fair Game" from Public Radio International to it's weeknight programming. The show airs Monday through Thursday at 7 P.M., right after "All Things Considered."
"'Fair Game' is wonderful," Bryan Schott, News Director for KCPW.. "It's perfect for our listeners who are culturally connected and politically savvy. ‘Fair Game’ is a fresh and very funny jump-start to our evening lineup. It’s a terrific addition to our schedule."
The show is hosted by Faith Salie and originates from WNYC in New York City. Schott was formerly host of a Saturday talk show on KSL 1160 a few year ago.

General Managers Learn What's "Hot" in D.C.

2007-02-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

FCC attorney advises of liability risks, possible fines

By: Rob Sanders
rfsanders@gmail.com

The general managers for nearly every Wasatch Front broadcast operator met Thursday at an annual conference of the Utah Broadcasters Association, at the University Park Marriott hotel near the University of Utah.

The guest speaker was David D. Oxenford, a broadcast law attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine in Washington D.C. Oxenford, who speaks to UBA annually, addressed the managers on the “hot issues” at the FCC, liability issues, and how to avoid fines.

IBOC All broadcasters are acting under “temporary authority,” Oxenford said in regard to HD programming. Broadcasters are currently not supposed to sell ad time of HD2 signals, although Oxenford admitted that it’s currently “not enforced.”

One manager asked if digital HD2 stations need to run a weekly EAS test. Oxenford said that there are currently no rules that require EAS tests, but no rules that release broadcasters from it either.

Ralph Carlson, manager of KDYL, blasted IBOC calling it “one of the biggest scams perpetuated on radio broadcasters,” because of the hash caused by IBOC on adjacent channels. Broadcasters also have to pay royalties to IBOC's inventors. Carlson asked if the FCC would require adjacent stations to install filters to protect stations buried by hash.

“There’s no obligation for the stations to do it,” Oxenford said. He cited an example of a rim-shot station in another market who was buried by an adjacent station, who happened to be a format competitor. Oxenford said the buried station had no option but to beg the other station into installing a filter (which they reluctantly did).

These unclear technical aspects of “HD2” are being held up by the Democratic controlled congress, Oxenford said, because current legislators want to decide what “specific public interest obligations” broadcasters need to meet, before technical issues are finalized.

Public interest programming is problematic, Oxenford said, because many HD2 stations may specialize in a service such as “all-traffic.” How can an all-traffic station provide public interest programming?

Other issues such as copy-protection issues are also holding up finalization of HD rules.

Payola Simply put, anything that is paid for needs to be credited as “paid for.” It goes well beyond the immediate image of disc jockies taking pay for play under the table.

Anytime anything is aired by anyone because of sort of exchange took place, it needs to be mentioned on-air. This includes video news releases given to television stations, Oxenford said.

For example, he mentioned that if the proponents of clean fuel cars were to give the station a news package on alternate fuels, it's considered pay-for-play, even if no exchange of money were made.

Stations can free themselves from payola accusations by simply running a disclaimer stated that financial consideration had been provided.

Fox 13's general manager wanted to know if a client paid for time to be on an infotainment show if a disclaimer needed to be ran. Oxenford said that a station would.

He warned that even if a syndicated show, such as American Top 40, were paid to play songs that local affiliates could be on the hook for payola accusations.

The only exception, Oxenford said, is a run-of-the-mill commercial spot.

Localism “Localism is back on the radar screen,” Oxenford said. Oddly enough, it was “Hold Your Wee for a Wii” that brought attention to the issue again.

Three years ago, in a post-Janet Jackson-scandal world, the FCC began to hold hearings on localism. These were tabled until the recent KDND Sacramento stunt, which brought the hearings back to life.

Some blame consolidation for “dangerous” contests, Oxenford said. Overall there has been a widespread feeling that broadcasters have let the public down. Proponents of localism call for policy ranging from rolling back ownership limits to more LPFM applications.

Copyright Liability Let’s say a station were to promote the following contest: Make a home-made music video and post it on our web site, and the winner gets $500.

According to Oxenford, a contest as seemingly innocent as that could get a station in a heap of trouble.

First, the station doesn’t have the rights to run the music on the internet. Second, the station doesn’t have the rights to “synchronize music with video,” and third any protections they have from DCMA is lost because by promoting a contest, they “encouraged users to break copyright laws.”

Phone Calls It may be the end for radio prank calls. No station can record or put a caller on the air without their oral consent – “not even a hello” can go out over the air, Oxenford said.

Craig Hansen, of Simmons Media, asked if the oral consent rule applies to callers who call into a contest. Oxenford said that when a caller actually calls in it’s assumed that the caller knows they are going on the radio and such “implied consent” would be sufficient.

Streaming is another issue that may cause broadcasters heartburn, because up to this point the royalties have been unclear.

Currently, and operator pays 88 cents per “aggregate tuning hour,” or 10.9 percent of revenue (whichever is greater).

This may jump to 3 cents per listener hour or 30 percent of revenue (whichever is greater). The news of this seemed to made a few of the managers in the room appear uneasy.

Additionally, Internet radio operators are asked not to pre-announce songs, so listeners can’t record it, never play more than three songs in a row by the same artist, or four songs by the same artist in a three hour block.

As for podcasting, Oxenford suggested that music may want to be removed altogether.

“Music programming is very problematic in podcasting,” Oxenford said. Stations do not own rights to place music in podcasts which is seen by royalty agencies as a Internet piracy because of its “download-able form.”

Oxenford suggested stations just put the comedy bits up and not the entire show.

EEO Every radio group with more than five full-time employees are required to meet FCC EEO requirements. In the past radio operators were only warned for EEO violations, Oxenford said, but now the FCC enforcement bureau is handing out fines.

A station can be fined from $7,000 to $20,000. Ignorance of EEO policy is no longer an excuse to get out of a fine, Oxenford said.

The idea behind EEO policy is to ensure that everybody has an equal chance of being hired into broadcasting, and not just those in the “old boy's network.”

All job openings need to be “widely distributed.” A station should not only post the job on their web site and other trade publications, but should also send the listing to community groups.

A few exemptions are available. If an employee is being “promoted from within,” Oxenford said that wide dissemination of the job opening is not required. If a station has a single candidate in mind, and only interviews that candidate, then wide dissemination is not required in that case either.

Hiring family members requires wide dissemination of the job opening.

David D. Oxenford has a radio law blog that can be found at http://www.broadcastlawblog.com.

Terry Wood, An Advocate Against Divine Strake?

2007-02-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

As discussed on "Utah's Forum for Radio," ABC 4 (KTVX) anchor Terry Wood traveled to Las Vegas to hand-deliver KTVX viewer's petitions against Divine Strake, a proposed military test explosion that will take place in the deserts of Nevada.

Seven-thousand ABC 4 viewers responded to the station's collections against Divine Strake. Wood publicly criticized the test on-air, saying as a "personal note" that he was taking a stand on an issue for the first time in his forty-year career.

"I have never taken a position of advocacy before," Wood told viewers. "But more than a professional journalist, I am a citizen of Utah ....I am willing to put my career of forty years on the line."

The issue has created a few ethical questions. Television has the force to go to battle for a community's good. However, Wood's public take on the issue has a few media ethics people, including the Utah chapter of the Society For Professional Journalists raising eyebrows.

CBS To Sell KUTV

2007-02-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

CBS announced today the sale of 7 television stations, including KUTV Salt Lake City and KUSG in St. George to Cerberus. In Utah CBS owns the two television stations as well as some outdoor (billboard) properties.

The Deseret Morning News reports that station manager David W. Phillips said viewers will see "virtually no change" in programming.

Cerebrus, whose name-sake is strangely the "hound of Hades" in Greek mythology, is a New York based private investment firm. Currently they own no television properties, although they manage $22 billion dollars worth of other properties accoring to the CBS press release.

Ten Fired After Deadly Sacramento Contest

2007-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

Entercom fired ten staff members, including the entire morning show, who were behind a deadly radio stunt that killed a 28 year old Sacramento woman. Jennifer Strange, a finalist in KDND "107.9 The End"'s "Hold your wee for a wii" promotion, was found dead in her apartment Saturday after drinking large amounts of water. Contestants were asked to drink as much water as they could before having to go to the bathroom. The "Morning Rave" show, who was responsible for the stunt, as well as the program director, and six other staff members have been terminated. There have not been any criminal charges filed, but they are still possible.

Three days after the incident, Entercom-Sacramento GM John Geary posted the following statement on KDND's web site: "All of you are probably aware of the tragic death of a contestant, Jennifer Strange, following her participation in a contest on the Morning Rave last Friday. First and foremost, our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Ms. Strange. I also want to assure you that the circumstances regarding this matter are being examined as thoroughly as possible. We are doing everything we can to deal with this difficult situation in a manner that is both respectful and responsible. Effective immediately, the Morning Rave show is canceled."

Bonneville To Sell San Fransisco; Purchase Seattle, Cincinnati

2007-01-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

Bonneville has signed a deal with Entercom to swap most of it's San Fransisco stations with some of Entercom's Seattle and Cincinnati stations. The deal would allow Entercom to re-enter the San Fransisco market, and returns 710 KIRO radio to Bonneville ownership after it's sale a decade ago.

Bonneville to Sell:

San Fransisco
96.5 KOIT
Classical 102.1 (KDFC)
97.5 Max FM (KMAX)

Not selling: KOIT-AM (1260)

Bonnevile to Acquire:

Seattle
Newsradio 710 (KIRO)
Oldies 97.3 (KBSG)
770 The Truth (KTTH)

Cincinatti
Q102 (WKRQ)
94.9 The Sound (WSWD)
B-105.1 (WUBE)
97.3 The Wolf (WYGY)

Indie Rock Comes to Salt Lake

2007-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

KSL 102.7 FM is dropping it's NOAA weather programming from it's HD2 signal. The station now airs an indie-rock format called "iChannel." The station, which features unsigned artists, is owned and operated by Bonneville. The feel of the station seems very similar to an XM station. It even includes live disc jockies in the line-up. The iChannel programming appears to be designed so Bonneville stations in other markets could use it. Click here to listen on-line.

Airstaff Shuffles at ZHT, KOSY, and KNRS

2007-01-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, All Access reported Boy Loco's departure from ZHT (FM 97.1). Loco's night show, "The Playhouse" was still on the air last night (Monday). Loco has accepted a position with KMVN "Movin' 93.9" in Los Angeles, his hometown. Mark McCartney, ZHT program director, is looking for another "creative" air talent as a replacement.

Kelly Monson has been hired to do morning drive at KOSY (FM 106.5). Monson teams up with Erica Hansen, and joins KOSY after a long stretch doing mornings at The Breeze (FM 97.9). Erica got her start as a traffic reporter for KSL (AM 1160).

Finally, morning news anchor Abby Bonnell is hosting a local morning news program. The show, "Newsmakers at Nine," can be heard on 570 KNRS weekdays from 9 A.M. to noon.

KOSY Lets Go of Scot, 'Scott and Erica'

2007-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

"Scot" of Scott and Erica in the Morning, on KOSY 106.5 was quietly layed off from Clear Channel on December 8 of last month. According to Scot's personal blog, Clear Channel-Salt Lake City created a "new position," eliminating his current position at the station. He reapplied for the new position, but wasn't hired. Erica Hansen, who has worked with Scot at KOSY and KISN 97 for over half a decade, will continue to remain with KOSY. Scot says he hopes to find a position with another station the valley.

Internet theories explaining recent disappearances of long-time talent from Clear Channel stations across the country, all point to the recent sale of Clear Channel to private investors. Of note, former KBEE "B98.7" afternoon host Pat Gray disappeared from Clear Channel's talker KPRC in Houston, back in November. Gray left the Bee in 2001 to do mornings in the lone-star state. He has since landed a new position with crosstown 700 KSEV.

Program Director Double-Play

2006-12-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

All Access is reporting that Mike Peer has been hired as the new program director for KENZ "The End" (FM 101.9). Mike is currently the operations manager for WFNY "Free FM" in New York, and will leave the big apple on December 22. Mike replaces long-time PD Bruce Jones, who retired from "The End" after a decade with the station. WFNY is an FM Talk station, and home of Opie and Anothony in the morning.

All Access is also reporting that Kevin Grahm has been promoted to program director of KZNS "The Zone" (AM 1280). He replaces Ryan Hatch who is headed to KTAR "Newsradio 92.3" in Pheonix, where former KSL anchor Russ Hill is also stationed. Mr. Hatch will also be head-to-head with former KNRS PD Jason Wilmot, who is at crosstown KFYI Pheonix.

New FM 100 Jingles

2006-11-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

Bonneville's KSFI "FM 100" has an updated "sound." The station has recently updated it's jingle package, after over a decade's use of KOST Los Angeles re-sings. The new package has a more modern sound, which may seem somewhat unexpected, or refreshing, to regular FM 100 listeners. The station's consistent success has brought it's imaging to near stagnation in the past. The change is very refreshing.

Clear Channel Sold

2006-11-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

In a Press Release on the company's web site, Clear Channel announced that it has agreed to a $18.7 Billion buy-out by an investment group lead by Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital Partners LLC. In a separate transaction, Clear Channel will sell off all of it's television properties and over four-hundred of it's radio stations in smaller markets.

What does this mean for Salt Lake City? Radio: Clear Channel operates about a half-dozen stations in the Salt Lake City market including KJMY "My 99.5" (99.5 FM), KNRS "Family Values Talk Radio" (570 AM), KODJ (94.1 FM), KOSY (106.5 FM), KXRV "The River" (105.7 FM), and KZHT (97.1 FM). All of the radio properties will be included in buy-out by Lee Partners and Bain Capital. None of the stations would be included in the 448 radio properties that will be sold off to other buyers, as most of those are located in markets smaller than "top 100." Television: "ABC 4," KTVX in Salt Lake City is operated by Clear Channel. This property is included in sell off to other buyers and will not be acquired by Lee Parters and Bain Capital's private investment group. Timeliness: According to the Associated Press, Clear Channel has until December 7, 2006 to entertain counter-offers. Investment analyst Kit Spring felt that Clear Channel could be worth more money if it were dismantled and sold in pieces. He recommended that stockholders "reject the initial deal." If this occurred, a potential buyout may not be settled until well into next year. Outdoor: Clear Channel's billboard advertising unit was not mentioned in the buy-out. Currently, the AP is calling it "the wild card." Programming: There have been no statements made regarding any changes in on-air programming, from either the company's press release or the Associated Press' article. In 2003 a controlling share of Citadel Communications was purchased by the investment group Forstman Little. In that case, programming changes as a result of the buy-out were almost non-existant.

Follow Up On K-Bull Firings

2006-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

An unofficial rumor states that KUBL's "K-Bull" (93.3 FM) longtime T.J. Evans and evening host "Shotgun Jackson" were let go, and the duo did not leave the station voluntarily. The disc jockies disappeared last week from the "K-Bull" line-up and from the station's web site. The rumor speculates that the cause for termination could've involved a discrepancy in an advertising audit of the station's commercial spots. The station has not spoken officially on the matter.

T.J. Evans, Shotgun Jackson Both Out

2006-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

As we are all recovering from post-election night hangovers, a boat load of news has happened over the past few days. Users of the Utah Forum for Radio are reporting that long-time KUBL "K-Bull" (93.3 FM) disc jockey T.J. Evans is no longer with the station. Additionally, "Shotgun Jackson" (the station's fourth or fifth DJ of that name) is also out. The station has been mum about what happened. Listener speculations range from T.J. and Shotgun leaving for other opportunities, to being fired in a "K-Bull Scandal." Check out the forums for more opinion.

KTCE Payson (92.1 FM) has dropped it's simulcast of KUUU "U92" (92.5 FM). The station is now running a Hot AC format under the moniker "92.1 The Edge." One reader described it as a sort of "Star 102.7" format. Before 102.7 FM became a simulcast for KSL 1160, "Star" had been a Hot AC format with an emphasis on current music and nineties pop.

More "HD" signals have come on-line: Clear Channel has taken it's cluster of stations digital with KODJ "Oldies 94.1" (94.1 FM), KZHT "97.1 ZHT" (97.1 FM), KJMY "My 99.5" (99.5 FM), and KXRV "The River" (105.7 FM) all going digital with side "HD-2" channel programming as well. However, most of us don't have a receiver, so it's still not clear what the "HD-2" programming is. Citadel's KBER "K-Bear" (FM 101.1" has also gone digital in recent days.

More Christmas

2006-11-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas station number five is coming Monday morning. Bonneville's KSFI "FM 100" (100.3 FM) is telling it's listeners that due to "popular demand" it will flip all-Christmas on Monday, November 6.

Here Comes the Christmas Music

2006-11-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

The number of Wasatch Front stations flipping to all-Christmas has been incredible! KSFI HD-2 joins in Salt Lake County suspending it's "Sounds of the Sabbath" programming in favor of an all-Christmas format. In Utah County KSRR "K-Star" (AM 1400) put it's adult contemporary format on the shelf, as well as sister KQMB "Star" (96.7 FM) who put it's all- eighties format on hold, both in favor of all-Christmas music.

I also stand corrected: Last year, KOSY flipped on Halloween, as it did this year. It also wasn't the first of the year: 1400 KSRR "K-Star" was the first ... Lynn Arave, Deseret Morning News, Dec. 23, 2005: "On Oct. 24, KSRR begins playing holiday music, and KSFI begins an online on-demand holiday-music option on its Web site." It is a long tradition for the Utah county station - celebrating nearly two decades of Christmas music. KSRR started playing all-Christmas music during the holiday season in 1987.

KOSY Goes Christmas

2006-10-31T14:42:00.000-08:00

Earliest ever! Clear Channel's KOSY 106.5 has gone ALL CHRISTMAS! The station's site is in full Christmas cheer. It's logo is now covered in wrapping bows decked with the new slogan "Utah's Holiday Music Station." KOSY has always been first in recent years to make the switch to all Christmas, generally on November 1st. This is the first time the station has flipped on Halloween! The last song played under it's adult contemporary format was Sixpense None the Richer, "There She Goes."

ZHT Targeting Hispanic Listeners, KXOL For Sale

2006-10-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

12:30 AM - Viva La 97.1 ZHT? . . . . Pagamos Tus Cuentas: "We Pay Your Bills!" It appears that Salt Lake's oldest CHR (pop music) station is doing whatever it takes to target the next generation of listeners. This billboard caught my eye as I drove south out of Provo. It is located at approximately 600 South State Street. The station seems to be reaching out to the strong Hispanic community south of Provo's city center. The station has added air talent "Boy Loco" to the line-up. Sweepers between songs often read in Spanish-language only form. The station has even gone so far as to have their top of hour jingle resung as "Noventa siete uno ... ninety-seven one, Z-H-T." Last year the 97.1 ZHT web site also began offering both Spanish and English versions of it's site. It has since pulled that option.
Although there has been no comment from the station itself, ZHT's bilingual approach could be as a result of two factors: There is now stiff competition from new FM Spanish-language competitors. Last year, "La Magia" came on the air with a Spanish-language CHR (pop music) station, and it's sister station "La Gran D" in 2004. Another possible reason could be the loss of younger audiences to iPod and other MP3 player devices. As the traditional youth audience dwindles away, the station may be looking to expand into a larger demographic.
In the meanwhile, it's been neat to hear a sweeper in two languages!

1:30 PM - Simmons Media is in the works of selling longtime oldies KXOL (AM 1660). The buyer is Inca Communications, All Access reports, who will pay one-million dollars for the station. Currently the station is airing a Spanish-language contemporary music format. Inca will operate the station through a leased management agreement (LMA) before the sale closes.

A.J. Maguire Exits Eagle, Grizzlies to KKAT-AM

2006-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

10:45 PM - Morning show host A.J. Maguire "has left the station," All Access reports. Meanwhile co-hosts Peggy Ijams, formerly of FM 100, and "Stubbs" will continue to pilot the Eagle (101.5 FM) mornings.

10:50 PM - Sports magazine Our Sports Central reports that West Valley City's Utah Grizzlies hockey team is back on the radio. Citadel communications has picked up the team and will air it on KKAT (860 AM). KKAT is a simulcast of it's FM sister station "The Country Legends" (107.5 FM).

Helen Powers To Retire, KNRS Gets New PD

2006-10-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late but it's worth mentioning the following airstaff changes -- long time KBER (101.1 FM) mid-day air talent Helen Powers is planning to leave the station Wednesday. She had been with KBER ten years.

Former WGY Albany program director Greg Foster has been named as replacement for former KNRS program director Jason Wilmot. According to All Access, Wilmot is headed to KFYI Phoenix, according to. This is quite interesting, because former KSL (102.7 FM) anchor Russ Hill is program director at crosstown KTAR Phoenix. And finally, Todd "Nuke 'Em" Noker of X96 (96.3 FM) has been named program director of sister station KJQN "Jack FM" (103.1 FM).

Dream Doctor Diagnosed With Disease

2006-10-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today's New York Times reports that radio host Charles McPhee has Lou Gehrig's disease. The former "Dream Doctor" heard on KBEE-FM "B98.7" and KUTR until this past summer was initially diagnosed with the disease in June after listeners began to hear noticeable slurring. "His presentation was suffering and no one knew why," Patrick Fant, of affiliate KFNC-FM, told the Times. McPhee and Cumulus Media tried to continue to show using text-to-speech technology from Model Talker, but canceled the idea when the outcome sounded too "robotic and zombie-like." The show will end October 21. Read the article in it's entirety from The New York Times.

Movin' Spots

2006-09-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Simmons Media's KYMV "Movin' 100.7" has slowly began to add commercials into it's line-up. They began Saturday, with one commercial per forty-two minutes of music. They were up to about three commercials per break as of Monday night, probably with a few more to come. There is a good chance that "Movin' 100.7" is setting the example for "the Oasis," which is only about a week behind it's sister station.

Simmons Launches 'Oasis,' KSL Adds Local 'Nightside'

2006-09-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

7:30 AM - It sounds like the folks at Simmons Media were busy while we were asleep last night. The station just ran a sweeper that read "You're hearing the positive news sound of 97.5 The Oasis." (7:39 AM). It sounds like a Christian Contemporary format to me. The web site for the Oasis [ 975oasis.com ] is up. They just ran another sweeper promising "no off-color humor." They need to make sure the X96 sweepers and Oasis sweepers don't get mixed up on the station computer hard drives!

Also new to me this morning, is a new night program "KSL Nightside" at 1160 AM and 102.7 FM - thanks the the users of the SaltLakeRadio.com forum. I have no idea how long this program has been on the air but it looks like KSL has gone to pretty great lengths to bring local programming back to Salt Lake City nights. It's a variety/news program weeknights that has a pretty large staff: three hosts and six reporters. There are segments of the show can be heard at the Nightside website found on-line at [ nightside.ksl.com ]. Check it out, it sounds like a breath of fresh air to me. It airs weeknights from 7 PM to midnight.

Simmons Launches 'Movin'

2006-09-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

10:30 PM - What no sweepers? I am going to be pretty sad if this was all a joke to get us. Either that or they are just a bit behind and haven't made the sweepers yet.

10:00 PM - I'm Movin'! I just finished up listening to "Men in Black," by Will Smith which just rolled into "Tainted Love." The new station seems to be directed toward women mostly, but if you are like me and like a beat, then you'll probably like the station. Now, we need to make sure that this isn't just a joke. I'd personally be really disappointed if they dropped it for a Smooth Jazz format or something - (okay, so you guys at Simmons, don't mess around and actually do that, okay?)

6:30 PM - I received an e-mail today informing me that my order of Macromedia Dreamweaver was returned to the online software store. Apparently it had gotten stuck in some parcel sorting equipment and been crushed into four pieces. Sadly, this means, I am reduced to Frontpage Express to do some well-needed updating of this site. You can certainly see the quality engulfing you!

Rumors are flying of the [ Utah Radio Forum ] ... which, of course is nothing new. Speculations is calling for Simmons Media's newest FM station: KEGH (FM-100.7) to sign on the air within the next twenty four hours. The Utah County booster signal was flipped on today, which let me jam out to a sweeper informing me that the "Eagle has moved to 106.9 FM," on my drive to work this afternoon.

As for the format of KEGH, nothing concrete has come from the message board. It sounds like it may be a Rhythmic AC format "Movin' 100.7," modeled after the new "Movin' 92.5" in Seattle and Las Vegas - as well as Rick Dees' new comeback station"Movin' 93.9" in Los Angeles. Simmons media has purchased the domain name www.movin1007.com ... which could either mean we found an inside scoop ... or they're having some $9.00 entertainment at our expense.

Next Ratings Trend Out Today

2002-12-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

(23 DECEMBER 2002) - The next round of ratings are out today . . . I haven't had a chance to see them yet myself, but you can, as always, courtesy of Radio and Records Magazine: Radio & Records - Salt Lake City Ratings. Merry Christmas! I'll post the highlights of the ratings soon, but other than that, this should be the last update until next year. . . see you all in 2003!

(25 DECEMBER 2002) - Ouchie for Kisn 97, which only gains 0.1. FM 100 retains it's #3 place, while KSL jumps to #1. KSOP-AM appears in the ratings, while KOSY 106.5 hits a record low. Again, you can see the ratings yourself, by clicking the link above.

94.9 ZHT Shifts Rythmic

2002-12-20T20:30:00.001-08:00

Clear Channel's CHR/Pop outlet, KZHT (94.9 FM) has moved over the last week toward a more CHR/Rythmic orientation. The new station promo, "A Better Mix of Today's Hit Music," rather than the old, "Today's Hit Music," likely refers to the new 6:1 ratio of rythmic music to pop. This is similar to Pheonix's KZZP which after a short while of being "104-7 Kiss FM," moved rythmic. Could this mean changes for KISN? Personally, I don't think so. I doubt that KISN will flip CHR/Pop in place of ZHT. Rather, I feel it will retain Hot AC, which plays much of the CHR/Pop format without the rythm. Clear Channel is trying to make their 4.0-share station "move out of the way," of the 1.7 station.

KJQ 'Moo'ves AAA

2002-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Simmons Media's KJQN Brigham City (100.7 FM) has tweaked to AAA over the past few weeks, and now is taking credit for it. Promo lines that once said "Utah's Original Alternative," now state "Utah's Modern Rock with Less Talk." Sound Simmons? Think about FM 100. . ."Continuous Soft Hits with Less Talk. . ." Our tipster calls them a "KENZ twin."

This Is My Salt Lake Christmas List . . .

2002-12-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Currently: FM 100, KOSY 106.5, and KKDS AM 1060 have flipped all-Christmas. Stations with large contents of Christmas music include B98.7 and 97.9 The Breeze. Likely even more stations will join as Christmas approaches. For state-wide listings, visit Utah Radio News. For nation-wide listings, visit 100000watts.com.

Almost all stations in Salt Lake City are now playing some Christmas. . . still haven't heard any on Kisn 97 or 94.9 ZHT though.

Tight Squeeze At The Triad Center?

2002-12-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a tipster to Utah Radio Guide, a bit of insight into the question, "Where is Bonneville going to put all of their 'hope to soon acquire,' stations?" Our tipster answers that, "Bonneville is currently studying if the new stations will fit in the Triad Center. So far it looks tight." It may seem that a large amount of space would need to be vacated to make room for three top-10 stations, but as a relative of mine reminded me, "you only need a booth for each station." The original tipster did have a bit more information: "Simmons, that is Dave Simmons, looks to be building his own radio [group] seperate from Simmons Family. I'm getting indications that he's going to move somewhere else." So maybe, when the time comes that all of this has played out, maybe nobody will end up with the fancy building on 700 East. "I wouldn't rule out Bonneville building a new giant media center someday."

KOSY Moves Transmitter

2002-12-05T20:28:00.002-08:00

KOSY 106.5 has apparantly moved it's transmitting tower from Utah County to Farnsworth Peak, west of Magna. This means a stronger signal for Salt Lake County, but a weaker signal for central Utah.

Clear Channel - Salt Lake City

2002-12-05T20:28:00.001-08:00

A bit of insight into why Tom Sly may have lost his job this past September. One source says that the general status of Clear Channel's sales in respect to other groups is, "overall, a loser. . ." The reason? Simmons Media's good ratings cut into all the Clear Channel stations that could have a chance: FM 100 beats KOSY, KRSP is "a better buy," than Oldies 94.1, and other stations in the group are toward the bottom of the ratings. Citadel, this person mentions, "always undercuts Clear Channel." KSOP, not surprisingly, is cheaper than KKAT, and the ratings at KSOP are slightly better, and have been phenomenally better in the past. They also illustrate the point, by mentioning that while most markets needed only to meet with their regional VPs, Salt Lake City, hand-picked with six other markets, needed to go to the board of directors personally - sounds like hot water, huh? Our tipster left us with this: "Without revenue, the budget cuts will continue, and on and on it goes. . ."

KALL 910 To Receive New PD

2002-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Clear Channel talker KALL 910 is likely to receive a new PD in the coming months. Word is the current PD of Citadel Broadcasting's KBOI Boise.

KBNZ - KGNT Swap Frequencies

2002-12-05T20:27:00.001-08:00

This past week Cache County's 104.9 Oldies, "K105 the Kar," and 103.9 Country, "103.9 The Giant," swapped frequencies. The new 104.9 is now playing Classic Country, and has a signal that is fairly receivable along much of the northern Wasatch Front. The station is owned by 3 Points Broadcasting, of which Millcreek Media is a partial-owner.

Why Are So Many Stations Jumping all-Christmas So Soon?

2002-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

A bit of insight comes from a tipster to Utah Radio Guide as to why so many Lite ACs, and other station in general, have flipped to all-Christmas, or partial Christmas, so soon. It all comes down to two basic elements. First, is the obvious shortness between Christmas and a late-Thanksgiving. Typically there are five weeks, however the short four weeks this year have sent both radio and retail scrambling. Secondly, only two weeks fall into a ratings window, meaning that of the four weeks, only two will be apart of the Fall 2002 book. Stations, likely anticipating a repeat of last year's Christmas success, are hoping to soak up extra ratings in those two weeks.

KOSY 106.5 Is Salt Lake City's First Christmas Station For 2002

2002-11-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Likely due to the ratings jump seen last year, Clear Channel/Mercury flips Soft AC KOSY 106.5 to an all-Christmas format, a week before Christmas. Too early, perhaps? Not too early for the other 84 reported all-Christmas stations at 100000watts.com, as well as the countless others that will flip today or the day after Thanksgiving. Why such a Christmas rush? Whether because of the nostalgic feelings of Americans after 9/11, or just an influx of "Christmas spirit," stations saw large gains in ratings from Christmas music. KOSY jumped +0.9 share, reaching with 2.0 share of rival KSFI "FM 100." Clear Channel, KOSY's parent owner, is also really big on the Christmas format. All major stations, WLIT Chicago, WNIC Detroit, WSNE Las Vegas, and KOST Los Angeles, to name a few, are among the dozens of stations Clear Channel has flipped all-Christmas. KCFM 96.7 in Central Utah has already been stunting with an all-Christmas format for nearly a month.

Study Show Listeners Sense and Dislike 'Voicetracking'

2002-11-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

Radio and Records reports that the majority of those sampled in a Paragon Media Strategies survey "were aware of stations voicetracking. . .and said a station is 'less appealing' with voicetracking." Of the 759 respondents, 55% disliked voicetracking., and found that although the personality and perhaps the time was not appealing, 51% reported that it didn't affect the appeal of a station.

KALL 700? Radio Disney 910? More Rumors? Or Inside Info...

2002-11-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Two different tipsters tell Utah Radio Guide that a deal may be in the works for Clear Channel's KALL to receive Radio Disney. The gist of the deal would be this: Radio Disney would move to AM 910, currently KALL, and KALL would move to AM 700, currently KWLW. The thinking behind the move is this: KSOP-AM will likely cut KWLW's listeners in half when it finally takes a hold in the market, dropping the Classic Country outlet to only a 0.7 share. The thinking may also be that if similar programming were used at night between "KALL 700," and Clear Channel's WLW 700 Cincinnati, it would create a large nighttime coverage that could benefit both stations, and listeners who wish to tune into those programs. Meanwhile Radio Disney could be given new life at 910 AM. One rumor said 910 would be spun off to ABC for some capital, while the other rumor said opposite. It seems logical for Mercury-Clear Channel to keep 910 AM at this time, they have no visible motive to sell it. This would also allow Citadel to break it's contract with Radio Disney-ABC and pursue a new format at their KBEE-AM 860. Likely KBEE-AM would simulcast the FM for an undetermined amount of time until, if felt needed, new programming may be brought to AM 860. *Remember, this is rumor, but is more credible because it's from a tipster, the forum, and someone in the industry, at separate group*

Lyle Morris Now On 97.9 The Breeze

2002-11-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Capital Broadcasting's 97.9 The Breeze has hired Lyle Morris, formerly of FM 100, for the 7 P.M. to Midnight shift. Lyle replaces Michael Kavanagh.

Ratings Shakeup!

2002-11-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

Fall P1 ratings, covering October bring KSL on top tied with KUBL "K-Bull 93." Simmons' Media's KSFI "FM 100," which nearly always takes first place, dropped -0.8 to third place. KQMB "Star 102.7" skyrockets +0.8, passing Clear Channel's KZHT by +0.3 despite "94.9 ZHT" 's, +0.4 gain. KZHT typically is the leader in new music. KRSP "Arrow 103.5" sees a loss of -0.7, placing it at fifth place. KSOP "Country 104.3," has a minor loss of -0.2, remaining second place in country music, and sixth place overall. KNRS, "Family Values Talkradio," sees a gain of +0.4, while KENZ "The End," and KODJ "Oldies 94.1," see small losses. KUUU, rhythmic outles "U92," sees a +0.6 jump, taking it to eleventh place. KKAT, "The New K102," drops -0.9, retaining it's place as Utah's third place country, however doing much better than it did last year around this time. KXRK, "X96" still stuck in it's rut from the last book sinking -2.0 since last winter, but seeing small gains of +0.4 since the last book. KBER "K-Bear 101," -0.1, KURR "Classic Rock 99," no change, KBZN "The Breeze," sees a -0.1 drop, while the KOSY/KRAR simulcast "Kosy 106.5," sees +0.1 change, leaving it at seventeenth place. KUDD, "Power 107.9," up +0.1, and KBEE, "The New B98.7," sees +0.2 increase, after a big drop in the last book. KCPX, "Channel 105.7," snatches +0.2, taking a share nearly equal to that lost recently by KXRK. KISN, "Kisn 97," tanks out at a record low of a 1.7 share, nearly half of it's share Summer '01. KWKD, "Mad Dog 102.3," sees small gains, KALL ties KWLW "Classic Country AM 700," which droped -0.5. Spanish stations, KSVN, KBJA, KSGO collective drop -0.4, while KKDS standards sees +0.2. For the very first time sportsradio KZNS/KOVO/KSOS, "1280/960/800 The Zone" appears with a 0.9 share beating KFNZ "K-Fan 1320"s share of 0.7. And for an interesting note KARB-FM of Price, Utah appears with a 0.5 share.

Simmons Officially Buys AM 820

2002-11-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

According to Radio and Records, Simmons Media has now officially purchased AM 820 from "Palmetto Radio Group," likely a Marathon Media subsidiary. Now they can sell it to KSL/Bonneville next spring.

Simmons Media Is Not Leaving Radio

2002-11-09T20:24:00.001-08:00

After yesterday's big selloff by Simmons Media, to Bonneville Communications, it appeared as though Simmons was "exiting the radio business." Not so fast, says R&R Online today. Simmons Media president Craig Hanson says that although his company's big sell-offs yesterday to Bonneville, and recent sale of many stations to HBC (Hispanic Broadcasting Company), it "does not mean that we are selling ALL of our stations." Simmons group, according to the R&R article, was so bold to say that Simmons "will continue to own eight radio stations in Utah." Also, bit bit of insite into KPKK, Hanson expects that KPKK will "sign on in early 2002." It also says that "Simmons is purchasing Ogden, UT-based Oldies KSOS-AM and . . .KXOL." How much do you want to bet that they'll pick up some Marathon stations as well?

KCFM 96.7 Stunting Christmas Music

2002-11-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

Getting into the Christmas spirit a bit early, Micro Communication's new KCFM-FM at 96.7 FM in Levan, UT isplaying all Christmas music. The station, which signed on the air within the last few days, may likely become a Soft AC station, similar to Micro Communication's KSRR 1400 "K-Star" in Provo. Currently, it cannot be heard above Provo, because of KUSU's translator in Salt Lake City, at 96.7 FM.

FM 100, Star 102.7, Arrow 103.5 Sold To Bonneville

2002-11-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

Despite looking like a false rumor, Simmons Media has sold four of it's Salt Lake City radio properties to Bonneville Communications for $X.X Million. Bonneville currently owns KSL-AM 1160 as well as the Deseret News. Bonneville will become to new owner of FM 100, Star 102.7, and Arrow 103.5. Also as part of the deal, Bonneville gets the construction permit for AM 820, which was rumored to carry "The Zone." They have also purchased the company's St. George properties, as well as their Idaho properties. Simmons retains Alternative rocker X96, AAA KJQN "KJQ," the new KPKK, which will sign on the air shortly, as well as KZNS "The Zone." Could this be a possible move by Simmons group to but the stations they care currently LMAing from Brent Larson? (UPDATED See Above) And could they be buying any new properties? Any Millcreek properties perhaps?

Simmons to Sell to Bonneville? Not Likely.

2002-11-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

Rumors circling around the internet, speculate that Simmons Media, owner of FM 100, Star 102.7, X96, Arrow 103.5, KJQ, and operates a quarter-dozen AM stations, plan to sell their stations to Bonneville. The rumor however seems unlikely for a few reasons: Mainly, Bonneville can only own one radio station (KSL 1160) and one television station (Channel 5), since they own a newspaper, The Deseret News. Although there has been request by several companies, including Bonneville, to relax those ownership rules, they haven't happen as far as my knowledge goes. Also, it isn't uncommon to hear a "Simmons to sell all stations," rumor. See below. The rumor's creator claims that it was from the industry paper, Radio and Records, however scouring the R&R webpage, I could not find any mention of the rumored sale. Apparently, if to take effect, Bonneville and/or Simmons would make the announcement tomorrow. Please e-mail me if you have any other information, or you can cite the supposed "article."

Kisn Reeeaaalllyyy Returns To It's Roots

2002-11-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Not only has Kisn 97 returned to it's roots of Hot AC, but even other items are a "flashback." Now the positioner on-air being phased in, "Utah's Best Variety and the Best Music," is an evoultion of the old positioner, "The Best Variety and Today's Best Music." The stations is also airing it's old jingles.

Portland Drains Utah Talent

2002-10-31T20:21:00.000-08:00

A Happy Halloween from Portland, OR, as they "steal" away some of the talent from the valley: Both Ian Furness (KZNS/KOVO/KSOS) and Scott Simon (KBEE-FM) have accepted jobs with stations in Portland. Furness has accepted a position with "The Fan" in Portland, taking over afternoon drive-time duties. Simon, formerly of "Simon and Brady," has his last day with B98.7 on October 25th. No word of what station he's heading too.

Barb Out at "The End"

2002-10-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

KENZ Personality, "Barb," is out. Citadel, "The End" 's owners say it's for "financial reasons." (Basically, budget cuts.) Other stations personalities are filling in the time slot.

Summer Ratings Released

2002-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

(All ratings copyright Arbitron, all data from Radio and Records) Country music, as a result of the last trend, it way up from the spring book. KKAT (K102) shot from a 2.9 to a 4.2. KSFI (FM 100) still remains Utah's #1 station. KSL falls behind KUBL (K-Bull 93) as it soars from a 4.6 to a 6.1. KSOP (Country 104.3) is in second place for country music, ahead of KKAT at a 4.3. KQMB (Star 102.7) is really pushing on KZHT. The station was only 0.1-share behind, at a 3.5. This is KZHT's lowest book at a 3.6-share. KXRK (X96) plummets from a .9 to a 2.7. Now more people listen to KUUU "U92" (at a 2.9) and KBZN "The Breeze" (at a 2.7) than Simmons' alternative-rock outlet. KUDD (Power 107.9) was up 0.3, to tie at a 2.4-share with it's summer book last year. KBEE (All New B98.7) was down to a 2.2, slightly ahead of KISN and KWLW (700 Classic Country) also both with a 2.2. Is Todd and Erin helping or hurting the Bee? And what about KISN's format identity crisis? KCPX (Channel 105.7) tied with fall last year at a 2.0, but still not pulliun the numbers Clear Channel expected, after flipping the old classic hits format. Spanish broadcasting was also way up. KSVN owned by Azteca Broadcasting, is in the lead with a 1.7-share. Collectively between KSVN, KSGO, and KBJA, the spanish formats pull a 3.4-share in Salt Lake. That's the highest book yet. KKDS not as high as last winter, but pulling a 0.7 share. As for our local sports stations: KFNZ had it's lowest book since the Jazz moved over there - a 0.6 share. KZNS (The Zone) still does not apprear.

"Outdoor Utah Today," Changes Times

2002-10-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

According to the man him self, Rodger Bee says that Outdoor Utah Today has moved to 10 AM - 12 Noon, on KALL 910.

UPDATE: Fall Roundup

2002-10-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here's an update of what's going on at most of the stations along the Wasatch Front: KUUU 92.1 - Plans are still in the works of the local CHR/Rythmic outlet to move to 92.3 next summer. This will allow for greater power to the north. KODJ 94.1 - Utah's only FM oldies station keeps changing names. It has recently been "94.1 KODJ," then returned to "Oldies 94.1," and now uses both at various times. It will be interesting to see which one Clear Channel decides to stick with. KZHT 94.9 - Has a new midday talent, "Corina," and apparently has plans to update it's imaging and jingles in January. KISN 97.1 - As reported earlier has returned to it's Hot AC roots. Although it still plays quite a bit of eighties, it isn't as oriented to the decade as it was a year ago. A second voice-over talent has joined, tweaking the atmosphere a bit. KBEE 98.7 - Is repeating it's early 2002 "Dollar Bill Game." KSFI 100.3 - FM 100 is already running spots advertising their Christmas music, "coming soon," along with their "FM 100 Christmas Volume Two CD." KWKD 102.3 - Is now running a large bus billboard campaign boasting "Mad Dog 102.3." It seems similar to "The Blaze" campaign of earlier this year. KQMB 102.7 - Fisher and Laura dissapoint listeners yesterday when they announce that Creed has postponed his concert. There morning seems to lose focus. KJQN 103.1 (100.7) - Is tweaking toward the AAA format. The music is beginning to sound like the old "105.7 The Mountain." KMDG 103.9 - Is still a simulcast of "Power 107.9." It appears to be a semi-permanate decision by Millcreek Media. The call letters still haven't changed. KSOP 104.3 - Country Joe adds the "10 second gripe." Listeners call in and can say almost everything they want for exactly ten seconds. KMXI 105.1 - Seems ready to come online soon. "Dspete"'s UtahRadioNews.com says it could be on as early as Christmas. KOSY 106.5 (106.9) - Contest: "KOSY Kash Machine." In other words, the Clear Channel nation-wide money give away: See "Clebrity Cash Calls," or "KISN Cash Cow." KSL 1160 - Don Shafer, host on Saturday and Sunday mornings has vanished. KSOP 1370 - Voicetracking at least brings a bit of life to the "Gold Country" station. Country Joe voicetracks mornings for 1370 AM by announcing songs, along with other KSOP-FM personalities. The station hopes to appear in the next book. KLO 1430 - Has done a bit of transmitter work, so their signal should be a bit better than it was before.

KXOL Still Acting Up

2002-10-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

KXOL is still in an identity crisis, constantly reverting back to the old format. It appears that Simmons doesn't yet have total control over the station at 1660 AM yet.

Todd "Nuke'em" Noker Writes A Book

2002-10-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

According to the man himself, Todd Noker has won an award for his book:

"KJQ Radio Personality / Author Todd "Nuke ‘Em" Noker Receives Award In Writing Competition.

A forthcoming novel from author Todd C. Noker was listed as a winner in the prestigious Utah Arts Council 44th Annual Original Writing Competition for 2002. Noker’s currently unpublished manuscript Terms of the Innocents was awarded Second Place in the Novel Category.

"This is a tremendous honor," says Noker. "Some of Utah’s best writers are recognized in this competition, and I’m extremely fortunate to be part of that."

Terms of the Innocents is a riveting novel about the desperation surrounding life for homeless teens in Salt Lake City.

Todd C. Noker is the author of the acclaimed debut novel Path of Totality, and is currently heard on KJQ (103.1 FM in Salt Lake City and Davis County, and 100.7 FM in Northern Utah) weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Todd "Nuke ‘Em" is a veteran radio personality in Salt Lake City, having worked in the market for fourteen years.

Past winners of the Utah Original Writing Competition have gone on to garner other prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, The Flannery O’Connor Award, and the International Reading Association Award. The competition is open to Utah writers for their unpublished, original work. First and Second Place awards are given in each category; each award includes a cash prize. For more information about the Utah Arts Council Literature Program, contact Guy Lebeda at (801) 236-7553.

New 96.7 KCFM Levan

2002-10-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

It sounds like KCFM is broadcasting a loop of their legal-id.

New AM 820 To Be Sold To Simmons?

2002-10-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

(1 OCTOBER 2002) - A tip to Utah Radio Guide says that the new 820 AM, that is scheduled to come on air soon, will be sold by Palmetto Radio Group (a company from the east coast), to Simmons Media, which fills the ownership limits for Simmons Media, to eight stations, and two LMAs. The FCC web site tiped off the new station a while back, but no sign of it's coming into existance has appeared until only recently. Apparently on September 25, 2002, Simmons filed to the FCC to buy the Taylorsville licenced station. The station should be 50,000 watts daytime, and 2,500 night, with 10,000 watts at sunrise and sunset. Perhaps KZNS will move to 820?

(3 OCTOBER 2002) - Another tipster wrote saying that they worked for Marathon Media. According to this tip, Palmetto is just another name for Marathon, and they had plans to move KOVO's people to this new station. However the big bosses have thrown in the towel when it comes to sports reporting, and have decided to LMA KOVO and sell 820 to Simmons Media.

Small Changes At Utah's FM Oldies ...

2002-10-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Remember when Clear Channel "refreshed," KODJ by dropping the "Oldies," name and the fifties music? Remember when they named it "KODJ 94.1 - Superhits of the 60s and 70s?" Well, Clear Channel has apparently thrown that all back out, and has returned to calling the station "Oldies 94.1, Superhits!" Apparently, the fifties music is back in the rotation as well. And I'm sure all of this has nothing to do with all the buzz about KXOL lately, right?

KXOL Returns As Oldies

2002-10-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

KXOL is still spinning the hits, but with a more 60's spin, and also from the Simmons Media building on 700 East and 515 South. Brent Larson, accidentally returned to the air, when a power outage apparently triggered an automatic playlist at the transmitter site for a little bit. The station is now back to Simmon's oldies format. **Caution,** if you're trying to write Brent Larson, don't try his e-mail on his web site. One reader did that with some negative comments about Simmons, and accidentally reached Simmons, who apparently has taken over the URL as well. He was kind enough to let us be aware, so we don't accidentally do the same.

Seems Official: KISN Truely Hot AC, Once Again

2002-10-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

As tipped off earlier, it appears that KISN is truely returned to it's Hot AC roots. The website, 100000watts.com, a directory service of all TV and Radio stations, reports: "KISN-FM 97.1 Salt Lake City segues back to hot AC from 80s." This trend began last summer (summer 01), when KISN played their "The new sound of Kisn 97 is dead," promotion to pay off power bills.

Clear Channel VP Named

2002-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

As reported earlier, Radio and Records claimed that new regional programming would bebut for most of Clear Channel. Salt Lake City is now under such policy, as Alan Sldge will become the new regional VP of programming, from Pheonix.

Summer P2 Ratings

2002-09-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's ratings brought some significant changes. The country format took a major stride forward, with a surprising jump of KSOP-FM (Country 104) gaining 0.6, to #4. KUBL-FM (K-Bull 93) took #2, while KKAT-FM (K102) remained the same. KQMB-FM (Star 102.7) beat KZHT-FM (94-9 ZHT) again, but only by 0.1 this time. However if KQMB beats KZHT in the next period, it will display higher in the overall ratings. KBEE-FM "The All-New B98.7," was down 0.4, and KUDD-FM "Power 107.9," was 0.3. KZNS "1280 The Zone," has still not appeared in the ratings nearly since it's debut. Perhaps the new 800 and 960 will aid it, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. One interesting feature that has appeared recently is the bit of war on the AM for the hispanic/Mexican listeners along the Wasatch Front. KSGO, KSVN, and KBJA/KHQN appear regularly in the ratings. They represent a 2.3 share in the market, or roughly a station with as many listeners as KISN-FM "Kisn 97."

Tweaking for KJQ?

2002-09-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

According to one reader, it appears that KJQ is beginning to lean AAA. In a letter written to KJQ listeners, it displayed a wider variety of 90's music. Example: Sting/If I Ever Lose My Faith In You.

Marathon Media & Lee Family Deal Still On

2002-09-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our tipster, who tipped us off on a deal between Millcreek/Marathon Media and Lee Family Broadcasting in Rupert, Idaho, claims the deal is still on. The six-figure deal would allow Millcreek to move it's KUUU-Tooele "U92," currently at 92.1 FM, to 92.3 FM and increase power to the north, allowing one frequency for it's CHR/Rythmic station, and hopefully gain listeners in southern Idaho. Lee Family would them move their station KKMV at 92.5 to 102.9, and their KMVX from 102.9 to 92.7. This should take effect by next summer.

Todd "Nuk'em," of KJQ: "Andrea Has Left The Industry"

2002-09-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

After the departure of "Andrea," from Simmons Media's KJQN "KJQ," Todd, PD writes in a letter to listeners that Andrea has "left the industry." The letter, reported by a Utah Radio Guide tipster, claims "Quite a few of our listeners have asked, 'What happened to Andrea?' She has left the industry to pursue a different career... She still says KJQ is her favorite radio station."

Mick Martin Has Moved To Afternoons

2002-09-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Former Rock 99 Morning Show host Mick Martin has switched places with "Jaxon," and is now doing afternoons.

KOVO Simulcasting KZN

2002-09-20T20:11:00.001-07:00

It appears that KOVO 960, owned currently by Marathon Media, is simulcasting Simmons' Media 1280 KZN The Zone. The station must be under an agreeement with the owners of Marathon.

Clear Channel GM Named

2002-09-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Stuart Stanek has been named as the local "Market Manager," replacing recently fired Tom Sly. There is still no word of an Operations Director, but according to and article on R&R Online, Clear Channel has announced that they are creating programmers on a regional level. If this is true, there may never be an Opeationd Director again in Salt Lake City, ever.

Power Simulcast Returns

2002-09-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

The now defunct 103.9 simulcast of Marathon Media's KWKD "Mad Dog 102.3," now has the return of Power 107.9 to it's KMDG Nephi frequency. The 103.9 frequency was home to the original "Dianna 103.9," which later became "Dianna 107.9," then "Power D 107.9," then the current "Power 107.9." This information was current as of 4:00 PM today. According to one tipster, he believes it's because of the weak signal that KUDD carries in Utah County, that is currently due to a booster that's offline.

Simmons to Sell Salt Lake?

2002-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

On tip to us, is a possibility of Simmons selling in Salt Lake City, to Infinity. While it's only a rumor, Simmons did recently sell it's Albequerque stations. However, Salt Lake City seems to be more profitable, and Simmons usually has 2 or 3 stations in the top five, locally. It doesn't seem likely, and it isn't the first "Simmons to sell," rumor to ever surface.

Mad Dog's New Home

2002-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

The simulcast of Millcreek/Marathon Media's "Mad Dog," 102.3 and 103.9 has ended with 103.9 (the original station), being switched off. 103.9-FM, KMDG, is currently stunting with a legal-id, and instructions to tune to 102.3. The tipster who wrote, said they called the station, (which the numbers are now 570-1023), and they claimed that it was from, "FTC problems." FCC problems? Who knows?

Former Clear Channel GM to Marathon?

2002-09-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

According to a tip, former Clear Channel GM Tom Sly will soon be the COO for Marathon Media coorporate. Sly's duties will also incude keeping an eye over the company's Rocky Mountain properties.

Clear Channel Mass Format Change?

2002-09-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

A series of posts by The Insider on the Utah Radio Guide forum, claims "inside information," to a mass format change of KISN, KZHT, and KURR. The first said:

"Get Ready For This! Change on it's way at Clear Channel's [KURR] 99.5 FM As a reminder low ratings does not bring in revenue or advertising!"

Note that KURR did bring in one of it's best trends at a 2.6 beating KCPX and KISN. A second post five hours later by The Insider, claimed:

"Due to getting busted @ work this will be my last post, Stay tuned to Clear Channel Stations along the Wasatch Front, New Big Bosses unhappy, many changes on it's way. One more for 'ya! Possible flips @ KZHT & KISN get ready to get KISSED :) All I can say is 'GET READY FOR THIS' "

True there is a new general manager, and operations director at Clear Channel, and if a change is going to happen, now would be the time. However, until there is some sort of more evidance that this is truely an "insider," and not someone posting for fun, I'd consider this only a "possible" rumor. My opinion: If this WAS to happen, they might make a KISN "KISS FM," a KZHT "Hot 94," CHR/Rythmic station, and some sort of new 80's-format classic rock at 99.5 left over from the old KURR and KISN. However, it doesn't seem likely ... yet.

Rock 99 Morning Show History ... Again

2002-09-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

It appears that Mick and Woody are history. According to several sources, they were let go last Monday. No word as to why, or if either personality will return to any other local station. It also appears that former afternooner "Jaxon" is doing mornings, perhaps temporarily. Rumors also say that "Chinaman," may join him for mornings.

Is Kisn 97 Returning Back To Hot AC?

2002-08-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Long after flipping to "The Eighties and More," KISN 97 has been showing signs since December of returning to Hot AC. The station has recently added in more new content, such as Incubus/Drive, Smashmouth/I'm a Believer, and believe it or not Enya/Only Time. Also the station's promo line has mutated from "The Eighteis and More," to "80's, 90's, Now," and now to "The Best Variety of the 80's, 90's, and Today's Best Variety." Compare that line with the old Hot AC line, "The Best Variety of Today's Hit Music."

Simmons Sells Albequerque Stations

2002-08-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Rumors came true, as Simmons Media (owner of FM100, X96, KJQ, Star 102.7, the Zone, and Arrow 103.5) sold their Albequerque assets to HBC, Hispanic Broadcasting Company - a company partially owned and operated by Clear Channel. It doesn't seem likely that Simmons will sell Salt Lake City, in the near future anyway, since Salt Lake seems to be very profitable for them, and Albequerque was rumored to lose money from the beginning.

800 The Sports Zone Possible?

2002-08-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

It appears that the standards format KSOS is lost forever. The station dropped it's nostalgia music and now is a near simulcast of Simmons Media's 1280 KZN "The Sports Zone." According to a tip, KSOS is under an LMA with Simmons Media. Could Simmons be purchasing KSOS? One possible scenario could be placing KZNS on 800, and returning 1280 to a nostaliga or talk format. This could be likely since KZNS hasn't show in the ratings for a long time. Post your comments on our forum, by clicking "FORUM" on the left-hand menu.

The Fire's Out: Blaze 102.3 Is History

2002-08-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a tip to the Utah Radio Guide forum, Utah Radio Guide has confirmed that 102.3 The Blaze is history. It is now a simulcast of 103.9 Mad Dog. The Blaze had fallen to a 1.0 in the last trend (see below), it's lowest ever. The sweeper now proclaims, "Mad Dog rocks Salt Lake Ogden and Provo - now at 102.3" Questions: Could this be useage for a stunt, for a new format? Or is 102.3 the new home for Mad Dog?

Bon Voyage Mitch English

2002-08-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mitch English, morning show host at WB30 has accepted an offer with ACME Television Productions to work at WBDT-TV in Dayton, OH. The show will be national, and should have a Salt Lake City affiliate. English said that he'd accepted a weather anchor job for the show. Press release: CLICK HERE. Good luck, Mitch!

Shawn Stevens Back In The Saddle Again

2002-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Former KKATer Shawn Stevens returns to the airwaves, but not to country. Stevens, former KKAT morning show host of "Shawn and Dobie," has landed a job with KBZN "97.9 The Breeze," replacing Diane Maggipinto who left to do freelance voice work.

Spring Ratings Released

2002-07-29T20:02:00.001-07:00

Nothing exciting in the spring ratings. FM 100 (KSFI) regained it's title as Utah's #1 station, 1.0 over it's ratings last year at this time of the year. Major jumpers since the last book (fall '02) were KBER +0.6, KODJ +0.6, KNRS +0.5, KUUU +1.1, KURR +0.6, KUDD +0.9, KCPX +0.9. Stations that dropped over 0.5 were KXRK, KZHT, KOSY, KSOP, and KISN. The lowest FM station was, yet again, KWKD (The Blaze) dropping to an all-time low of 1.0. Note: Denver's Marathon station, KXUU (now KXDC) was at 0.9 when they flipped the format. Also note that KZNS (The Zone) has not appeared once in this book.

1010 AM Bankrupt

2002-07-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, it appears that 1010 AM (KIQN) has declared bankruptcy. In an e-mail tip to Utah Radio Guide, it appears that on May 5, 2002 IntelliQuest Media (AM 1010's Owner) and IntelliQuest Learning Systems filed a "Chapter 11 Voluntary Petition." In our tip, it lists a record of legal actions since the May 5th date, up until July 12th, containing "notice[s] of cash collateral," and "notice[s] of meeting of creditors." OUCH!

KMXU 105.1 Ramblings

2002-07-29T20:01:00.001-07:00

Word on the street is that Marathon Media has applied for boosters along the Wasatch Front, and KCPW's translator at 105.1 will move to 105.3. Noting will likely happen soon, but plans are in motion. Unfortunately KMXU will probably dump B/EZ (Easy) music, which I think would do excellent along the Wasatch Front.

Rock 99 Morning Show

2002-07-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Mick Martin tells us: "I'm pleased to announce the return of Woody . . . who did afternoons from 1996-1998 has returned to join the Mick and Chinaman show."

More Clear Channel Firing?

2002-07-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Apparantly there has been more firings at Clear Channel - Salt Lake City. According to a tip to utradiomail, General Manager Tom Sly and Operations Director Lee Douglas are cleaning out their offices at 2801 Decker Lake Dr. Also according to our tip, Senior VP J. D. Freeman was not impressed with Douglas' programming leading to his removal. Sly was fired for lack of sales.

Local KUER Host Filling-In on NPR

2002-07-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Doug Fabrizio of KUER (FM-90, NPR) is filling in nationally for Neal Conan this week. Fabrizio will host of Talk of the Nation, a weekday news/talk show, Currently, it's aired at 1:00 PM on KCPW.

Star 102.7 Ties ZHT

2002-06-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

Star 102.7(KQMB) was up 0.5 to tie with Clear Channel's 94-9 ZHT (KZHT), which dropped 0.4. KSL continued it's new lead over FM 100 for the second trend in recent memory. KENZ (107-5 The End) also jumped up 0.5. K102 (KKAT) was up 1.0 from the Winter ratings trend. KISN 97 dropped 1.0 from last summer, to a 2.6. KODJ (Superhits 94.1) dropped 1.1 from last fall.

Where's Waldo: Dan Bammas

2002-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Dan Bammas, formerly of Metro Traffic (news and weather on KBER, KBEE, etc.), and also formerly with Simmon's Media's KZN 1280, has now been reported to have joined up with "Morning Edition" on KUER (FM-90).

A Gold-Standard Split at KSOP?

2002-06-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

The legendary KSOP 1370/104.3 AM-FM combo has split up, says one submission to Utah Radio Guide, breaking the last remaining AM-FM combo in Salt Lake City. It appears that the AM station has flipped classic country, likely to compete with Clear Channel's KWLW 700. More information is available on the KSOP website: www.ksopcountry.com.

Ratings Report

2002-06-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

The latest Arbitron ratings trend, brings surprising changes to the Wasatch Front. KSL Newsradio 1160 jumps to number one, for the first time for nearly a year. FM 100 drops to number two. Country was also hit very hard, as both KUBL (K-Bull 93), and KSOP drop nearly a 1.0-share each. However, KKAT (K102) jumped to tie with KSOP, likely due to it's tweaking and "self-mercials" on other Clear Channel stations. KBEE (B98.7) which also swapped formats in January, and was joined by Todd and Erin from KISN, changed little in this latest trend. KCPX (Channel 105-7) fell to a nearly all-time low, despite it's new format last fall.

Morning Show = Free Evening Shift?

2002-06-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

Morning shows, are now repeating at night too. KENZ "107-5 The End" is currently repeating it's morning show as a "best of" with what they call "the night shift." KISN 97 is also repeating the "80's Chain Reaction" part of it's morning show, "The Rockett Radio Experience", at night. Could this lead to other stations, pulling similar actions? Other stations that use the point-to-point or time-delay "voicetrack" technology also include KKAT (K102) and KSFI (FM 100). KKAT's morning show, "Tim and Willie," are from Pheonix, voicetracked to sound local. FM 100, Utah's #1 rated station, uses a "canned" (or recorded) Bob Nelson for the night shift, allowing his talent to be used twice, and cut costs of hiring an evening talent

Alan Handy to KFAN

2002-05-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

According to a tipster, Alan Handy, formerly of Rock 99 and Kisn 97 has apparently joined the staff at Citadel Broadcasting's KFAN 1320. He co-hosts the morning drive with Jeff Rickard and Ron Boone, survivors from the KZN talent drain a few months back.