Radio and Records last month named KSL Radio (AM-1160/FM-102.7) the "Station of the Year" among news/talk/sports radio stations. Nominations and votes were made by subscribers to the weekly newspaper.

KSL shares the honor with WLW in Cincinnati, another news/talk station, for radio markets size 26 and up.

"I am proud simply to be a part of such an accomplished team at KSL NewsRadio," said Kevin LaRue, KSL NewsRadio program director. "The work that our hosts, reporters, anchors and producers do for Salt Lake City is amazing to witness."

Other nominees for the award were news/talk stations in Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Columbus, Ga., and Middlesex, N.J.

"KSL NewsRadio attracts professionals who develop unmatched dedication and produce the No. 1 news/talk station in the country," said Chris Redgrave, KSL NewsRadio vp/general manager.

"I appreciate the recognition given to our KSL NewsRadio employees, whose hard work and commitment provides a stellar news product everyday," he said.

KSL and sister stations KRSP (FM-103.5) and KSFI ("FM-100") were among 50 U.S. radio stations named in March as Crystal Award Finalists by the National Association of Broadcasters.

Neither of the three stations ended up in the final top 10, but that's pretty significant for Salt Lake to have three finalists — as many as Chicago did. (Los Angeles only had two stations on that top 50 list.)

• KRCL'S NEW STAFF — FM-90.9 is reinventing itself and has now named its new hosts, to replace its former volunteers. Ebay Jamil Hamilton is the new KRCL music director. Brad Wheeler and David Perschon are the new assistant music directors and Patti Hanson is the director of development.

• RADIO HAPPENINGS — Steve Harmon and the KODJ (FM-94.1) "Breakfast Club" have proclaimed Fridays through May 2 as Utah Firefighters Fridays! The Breakfast Club, which airs 6-10 a.m., will have firefighters from all over the area on air and also offer recipes from fire-station cooks and give away prizes.

—KSOP is conducting an online listener survey. Go to: www.ksopcountry.com and click on "Cowboy music survey" on the right side to be a part of it.

—KSFI is one of the first stations in the world broadcasting in HD digital radio technology with near CD quality sound twice the fidelity of satellite radio and still free. However, you still need an HD receiver to enjoy this new technology. In addition, the station's "Soft Sunday Sounds" is also available all week long on KSFI- HD2. For more information on HD radio, go to: hd-radio.com

• TEN YEARS AGO IN SALT LAKE RADIO — KISN has a "Secret Sound" contest. ... "Abby and Ren" are new the morning show on KUMT, FM-105.7.

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E-mail: lynn@desnews.com