Radio highlights of 2008

Here are some radio highlights of 2008:

January: KOAY, "The Oasis" at FM-97.5, goes off the air in a bankruptcy situation. Peggy Ijams leaves the KEGA ("The Eagle") morning show, leaving Keith Stubbs as a solo host. KDYL (AM-1060) launches a "real oldies" format, abandoning its nostalgic music format. Mark and Gayle Van Wagoner and also Danny Kramer remain as DJs on the new station. KOVO, AM-960, stops simulcasting "The Zone," all-sports, and begins a Spanish format. KSL leads the fall book ratings, KSFI is second and KNRS-AM third.

February: KCPW goes up for sale. KUBL's "Johnson and Johnson" sponsor a fisherman's valentine wedding at Cabela's. "Johnson and Johnson" shave their heads to settle a bet after listeners raise more than $100,000 one morning for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The fundraiser gathers more than $600,000 in just 36 hours and, ultimately, the multiday event raises much more.

March: Tom Barberi returns to KALL radio with a morning talk show. Scott Fisher also returns to radio some weeks earlier doing a new morning show with Candace on KOSY. KUBL holds its ninth annual green Jello dive for St. Patrick's Day. Utah Free Media, composed of former KRCL volunteers, begins work on a new community-based Internet-only radio station, to pick up the slack.

April: April Fool's pranks are sparse this time around, with only Jon Carter and "The Coach" on KRSP promoting a one-way trip to Armenia. KZHT sponsors a "best rear of the year" contest. KENZ begins a contest to guess when the station will play its one millionth song. KUBL's "Johnson and Johnson" sponsor their annual "Pie the Tax Guy" event. Bonneville sells KUTR to a company specializing in gospel music.

May: KSL, KNRS and KUBL are the top three radio stations for the "Winter Book" in Arbitron. KSFI slips to sixth place. KBZN lets Kelly Monson go, and Dan Jessop replaces him in the mornings. KUER gets some programming on XM satellite radio.

June: Doug Wright of KSL celebrates 30 years on the air. Candace leaves the KOSY morning show. "Johnson and Johnson" on KUBL hold a wedding for the unluckiest couple in Utah on Friday the 13th at Nightmare on 13th. Tom Barberi leaves KALL radio. David B. Smith, a Utah radio veteran, dies from heart disease at age 61.

July: Paul Harvey broadcasts cease in Salt Lake City, as KUTR becomes a Christian talk station under its new owners. The FCC's "Localism" proposal could cost radio companies millions of dollars, if passed, by requiring studios in the city license and 24-hour staffing. Ryan Seacrest's show premieres afternoons on KBEE. KENZ gives away free gasoline in a morning show promotion.