'Morning' radio fun in p.m., too

Morning radio isn't the only place for fun in local FM radio these days. There are some live, local late-afternoon/early-evening shows that may surprise you with contests, conversations and entertainment value.

Leading the pack with this effort is Citadel Communications, with more than the average share of live local shows going. You've got Biff Raff, 1-6 p.m., on KENZ ("The End," FM-101.9); Rusty Keys, 3-7 p.m., on KBEE (FM-98.7) and "The Freak Show," 3-7 p.m., on KBER (FM-101.1) — to name just three of the Citadel offerings in the middle of the radio dial coming live from 434 Bearcat Drive.

Any one of these can take you home during afternoon drive-time with a smile.

"The Freak Show" is definitely the wildest of the three. Hosted by Mick Martin and Allen Handy, this show hit its two-year anniversary on March 10 for that time slot. This is morning radio in the late afternoon, with lots of talk, contests and humor.

Each Thursday, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Mick and Allen stage their "Superstar Studded Celebrity Match Game." I don't think there's a live segment in a late-afternoon radio show where the DJs have more fun with a regular contest. Anchored by Mick's smooth, deep voice and Allen's voice impersonations, the show features different celebrity guests each week.

First the DJs interview the guests and then they get a couple of listeners on the phone lines. The celebrities (usually two or three) and the callers (two) all fill in the blank on some statement, and then the side with the most matches wins.

Most of the answers can be either straightforward or risque, depending on the direction the contestants want to go. The DJs seem to have created that choice.

On March 22, Tom Nissalke, former Utah Jazz coach and current radio analyst on KFNZ, was one of the celebrity guests. He told Mick and Allen that he could now see that "There's a method to their madness" on the show.

If you want to hear music on your drive home, then the "Freak Show" won't be for you. However, if you want a taste of morning radio zaniness in the afternoon, this is the show.

KCPW WINS AWARD — KCPW has been honored with a 2007 Edward R. Murrow Regional Award from the Radio Television News Directors Association. Julie Rose's story on Cabella's becoming the top tourist attraction in Utah garnered top honors in the Hard News Feature category. KCPW was selected as a winner among radio news outlets in Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver and Albuquerque.