Is anyone listening to AM dial anymore?

How often do you listen to AM radio?

I have to admit that since KSL radio started simulcasting its AM signal at FM-102.7 in 2005, I've found it harder to not be fixated on the FM dial.

Some studies indicate that at least 80 percent of all radio listening is on the FM frequency, so I guess I'm not alone.

There are a total of 47 stations broadcasting on the FM band in the Salt Lake area (35 commercial stations and 12 noncommercial stations), although listeners man not receive all the stations all the time at all locations.

On the AM side, the Salt Lake area has 26 stations.

How about adding another AM station to the list?

The Federal Communications Commission received an application for a new AM station in Salt Lake City on June 23. This station would be at 780 on the AM dial, in between KSVN (AM-730) and KUTR (AM-820).

The new prospective station would be licensed to Draper; Rams III is listed as the applicant, and it would have 25 kilowatts of power during the daytime and 440 watts at night.

(A Google search on Rams III didn't provide any information.)

It's amazing that a new AM station application would be made during these tough economic times. Perhaps AM radio is far from dead.

KBYU (FM-89.1/89.5) will air the 2008 Eccles Organ Festival on Sundays beginning July 5 and running through Aug. 2, at 3 p.m. at 89.1 FM and 89.5 FM (Utah County) and online.

Each year, Utah's Cathedral of the Madeleine is home to the internationally recognized Eccles Organ Festival. The event features recitals offered free to the public as part of the festival's goal to provide organ performances of the highest quality to the residents of Salt Lake City. Go to www.classical89.org for more details.

KOSY (FM-106.5) held its third annual Big Daddy Musical Chairs Father's Day Extravaganza at Boondocks last Saturday. The winner received a $7,000 spa.

This contest is proof that stunts and antics are still a big part of local radio. An almost four-minute video of the contest is posted online at www.kosy.com and shows how the field was narrowed down from 22 to one. It's worth watching.

E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com