BBC may be on air 24/7

KCPW radio is hoping to spin off one of its three frequencies in January to feature BBC programming 24/7. The station's AM-1010 would be all-BBC, according to Bryan Schott, station news/program director.

Schott said the station is hoping to raise its initial startup cost for the new programming — $33,000 — to make it reality. "We're one of a handful of U.S. radio stations, if not the only one, to be going all BBC. It fits our station's mission — more news. It strengthens both stations."

He said the other two frequencies (FM-88.3/105.3) will retain current programming.

KCPW will also likely hire at least one more employee to work on the new AM programming, but it will otherwise be automated and will not include any local news.

Schott said more BBC programming is often requested by listeners. He said "World Have Your Say," a global call-in show, will be part of the new programming.

One drawback is that AM-1010, like all non-clear channel signal stations, must power down at night. Thus, AM-1010 reaches all of northern Utah and parts of Nevada and Wyoming in the day, but has a more limited audience in the evening.

As the audience declines for National Public Radio stations, Schott said this programming switch to BBC is one more way to try and shore up the leak.

KCPW currently simulcasts the same programming on all three of its frequencies.

• RADIO HAPPENINGS —Mark Waldi, an original morning-team member of KRSP, "The Arrow," with Sue Kelley, left the station earlier this year. However, he's back doing some part-time on-air hosting on FM-103.5.

Waldi said KRSP has one of the best radio-control rooms around. Also, after doing radio stints in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix and Boise, he prefers Salt Lake City.

Waldi will do some fill-ins for Jon Carter and Brett Connor in the morning from time to time, and will also have a 3-7 p.m. shift on Sundays.

— "Brian and Rebecca," mornings on KSFI, are giving away family vacations to Disneyland in a new contest.

— Ira Glass, host and producer of the Public Radio program "This American Life" (Saturdays 3-7 p.m. on KUER and other NPR stations) will discuss "Radio Stories and Other Stories" in Kingsbury Hall on Dec. 2, 2 p.m. Tickets are $28.50, $33.50 and $38.50 (801-581-7100, www.kingtix.com).