It's best defined as "television on radio" and this new broadcasting trend is continuing in Utah as KSL radio (AM-1160) has now joined the bandwagon.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 12, a simulcast of KSL TV Ch. 5's weekday news at 6:30 p.m. is heard on sister station KSL radio."We are thrilled to offer Channel 5's news to our listeners," Rod Arquette, KSL radio news and programming director, said. "KSL radio and KSL television take great pride in our commitment to offer the most comprehensive news in Utah. This is one further step in working with Channel 5 to provide the market with the most up-to-date-news."
KSL radio and TV are the second Salt Lake broadcasting companies to have a TV news simulcast on radio. KCNR (AM-860) and KTVX Ch. 4 teamed up for news simulcasts at 5:30 p.m. each weekday starting in February.
TV news on radio works surprisingly well, with some occasional exceptions. For example, when references are made to weather charts, radio listeners obviously cannot see the maps.
This new version of KSL TV's news gives the station the widest potential audience of any station in the Intermountain area. KSL TV also recently started doing a separate 9 p.m. newscast on KXIV Ch. 14 as an alternative to viewers who don't find the 10 p.m. broadcast convenient.
KSL radio has also moved and expanded "Sportscentral" with Chris Tunis from 6:30-8 p.m. weekdays to 4-6:30 p.m., to serve listeners better during the afternoon drivetime.
"Sportscentral" is now competing directly with another popular Utah sports show on KISN (AM-570) with Steve Klauke, also at 4 p.m.
With the "Sportscentral" changes, afternoon host Dave Hebertson has lost his job and is seeking other employment. Bob Lee has also expanded his afternoon broadcast until 4 p.m.
Following the news simulcast at 7 p.m., KSL radio is offering a new Deborah Norville radio program until 9 p.m. This new show offers listeners a nightly expedition of interesting guests, stimulating opinions and entertaining conversation. KSL will continue to offer the Larry King Show from 9 p.m. until midnight.
Station spokeswoman Barbara Reeve said the new changes are part of an effort to return to a harder news format with shorter interviews and get away from an extensive talk format.
The station is working hard to avoid being called an "easy-listening talk radio station."