KBZN, KYMV switch formats in shake-up

Published: Thursday, June 11, 2009 6:57 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

There hasn't been a shake-up on the Salt Lake radio for quite a while. But that changed late last week when two stations — FM-97.9 and FM-100.7 — decided independently to switch formats.

KBZN radio (FM-97.9) moved to a "today's best music" format, excluding hard rock and rap.

Meanwhile, KYMV (FM-100.7) switched to a top 40 format from its rhythmic adult contemporary style.

KBZN had been playing adult contemporary tunes since last spring.

Prior to that, it played "smooth jazz" and was known as "the Breeze."

However, the station has been struggling in the ratings and decided to air more positive, feel-good music.

"Exciting," "researched" and "local" were the three words that Dan Jessop, the station's general manager, used to describe the new format.

KBZN is now squarely competing against KBEE (FM-98.7), KJMY ("MY 99.5") and KSFI ("FM-100").

In addition to the format change, KYMV has discontinued its "makes you feel good" slogan. The format change means the station will be going head-to-head against KZHT (FM-97.1).

Some analysts believe stations are gearing up for when the Salt Lake market puts the Portable People Meter in place as early as this fall to gauge radio-listening habits.

If so, more radio changes could be coming later this summer.

Story continues below

RADIO AND RECORDS GONE — Nielsen Business Media, which operated R&R magazine and RadioandRecords.com, decided last week to consolidate those two assets into Billboard magazine and Billboard.biz.

At least for now, it looks like the radio presence of R&R has been watered down.

RADIO HAPPENINGS KSL will sponsor a "Family Fair" June 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at The Gateway. Proceeds will benefit the Utah Foster Care Foundation.

KRSP has its "103 Days of Summer" event under way. A Ford F-150 and a motorcycle are the event's grand prizes. Go to www.1035thearrow.com for more details.

A recent survey by "Radio Heard Here," a partnership with the Radio Advertising Bureau and others, revealed that 76 percent of those surveyed across the country still enjoy discovering new songs on the radio, and 97 percent are still glad to have radio as an option for news, music and entertainment. Go to www.radioheardhere.com for the complete survey.

E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com

Recent comments

I am from Utah but now in the Army stationed in Texas. I listened to...

Chris in Texas | Oct. 30, 2009 at 9:44 p.m.

Lynn, who are these "analysts" of which you speak?

I would like to...

"Some analysts?" | June 12, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

haha "USU is Improving but.. | 8:33 p.m. Nov. 29, 2009 you're still USU....

Hall's pain reflects self betrayal

Even the best people make mistakes and lose their tempers after an intense,...

This was actually a pretty good article - thanks for writing it.

Max Hall issues apology

I did not enjoy what could have been a great game. Could have been and should...

Utes won't respond to Hall

Hall's tirade showed his lack of control. Steve Young and Ty Detmer never...

Max Hall issues apology

I have been to several games at RES and I have had my share of run-ins with...

limbaugh, beck, palin- I don't agree with them much, but I know where they...

Hall mouths off about hate of Utah

Hate is too strong of a word. Besides Boise State is too good for the MWC as...

Hall's pain reflects self betrayal

wow utah!!! its not like we didn't see this coming.. you guys got beet deal...

Max Hall issues apology

While I understand why he said what he said, it's too bad that it gives the...

Advertisements