KNKK (AM-800) has switched from country music to a '50s rock 'n' roll format. This change, the first radio format alteration along the Wasatch Front since March, also means that the station is in the process of altering its call letters to KSOS to match those of its FM sister station."The unique thing about it (the change) is that in regard to KDYL, we're playing the rock 'n' roll music from 1954 to 1965," Brent Larsen, general manager said.
The station changed format on July 15 and is now using the nickname "Kool Gold 800." (Ironically Utah's most recent previous format change involved KFMY switching from a solid gold oldies format to adult contemporary.)
KSOS-AM continues to air the "Rush Limbaugh Show," weekdays from 10 a.m. until noon and is keeping Paul Harvey's reports and its news-sports affiliation with ABC Radio News.
Although the station's new format appeals mostly to adults 40-55, Larsen said he's been surprised by the number of young people that like it.
The station also isn't just picking up the music of the era, it is also working to capture the nostalgia too. For example, the station has a request line and its deejays are keeping a very low profile like the disc jockeys from the '50s had. Larsen stressed that this new oldies format is unique along the Wasatch Front.
One new program carried by the station is "Class Reunion," (1 p.m.) which singles out a particular year's most popular music.
KSOS has moved within the past year from the Layton Hills Mall into the Eccles Building in downtown Ogden - where the old KDAB used to be.
- KUTR (AM-1320) - The second annual KUTR "Make-A-Wish" benefit concert will be Monday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. at Highland High School.
Last year's event raised more than $5,000 to help fulfill the wishes of two terminally ill children. The event will be hosted by KUTR personalities Mike Carver and Karilyn Frazier.
Scheduled performers include Roger and Melanie Hoffman, Glen Clayburn, Clive Romney, Randy Thorderson, Michael Webb, John Canaan, Wanda and Wade Lindstrom and Steve James.
Tickets are $5 per person or $15 for a family of four and are on sale at KUTR radio and all Missionary Emporium locations.
"Make-A-Wish" is a national non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who are terminally ill. Most wishes average $2,500 and range from Nintendo games to family trips to Disneyland. Money raised locally will go directly to local children.
- KMGR (alias "Magic 107.5," FM) - If you happen to hear any pay telephones ring during the morning hours this summer, you'd better answer it because it might be worth $25 or more. In one of the more unusual radio promotions this year, personality Mark Van Wagoner is calling Wasatch Front pay phones to give away money in "The Pay Phone that Pays" contest.
Weekday mornings between 5:30 and 10, Van Wagoner provides listeners with the general area of a pay phone he'll call in the next 20 minutes. Anyone who answers the correct one automatically receives $25. Answer it with the opening phrase "Magic 107.5" and you'll receive even more money - $107.50.
- KSFI (FM-100.3) will co-sponsor a special family night of entertainment in Derks Field on Tuesday, July 23, at the Trappers baseball game.
The family admission price will be $8 and there will be fireworks and a diaper derby in addition to the baseball action.
- KBYU (FM-89.1) - The station broadcasts the Utah Symphony's summer season concerts every Saturday at 8 p.m. The theme of the July 20 concert will be "On Broadway," while the July 27 show will feature John Philip Sousa-impersonator Keith Brion.
- KUER (FM-90.1) - The sixth annual Red Butte Garden Concert Series continues on July 28 with a 6:30 p.m. performance by classical guitarists Todd Woodbury and Paul Binkley.
Tickets cost $5 and more information is available by calling 581-6778.
- The station will also air a two-hour tribute to Jelly Roll Morton, alias "Dr. Jazz," on Wednesday, July 24, 9-11 p.m. He died July 10, 1941.
- KBZN (FM-97.9) - "Musical Starstreams" on Sunday, July 21 will feature artist Jon Serrie (8-10 a.m.) Later in the day, "Jazz Trax" (7 p.m.-midnight) will include guest Jonathon Butler and the "Archives Album" segment will be "Cross Currents," by Richard Souther.
The station's new "7 o'clock CD" program airs each weeknight and the schedule of artists for July 22-26 is:
Monday - "Perfectly Human," by Mark Sioniker; Tuesday - "Reflections of Passion," by Yanni; Wednesday - "Every Step of the Way," by David Benoit; Thursday - "Collections," by Larry Carlton; Friday - "Heart of the City," by Tom Grant.
- KSL (AM-1160) - The station will provide live coverage of the KSL Radio-Deseret News Marathon and 10K races, beginning at 5:30 a.m. on July 24. Chris Tunis and Jim Braden will report the action along with race analysts Valerie Stephens and Bob Wood. Tim Hughes and Ed Eyestone will provide color coverage from Liberty Park.
Following the races, Tammy Kikuchi and Dave Hebertson will update listeners on the Days of '47 parade from the VIP area at Liberty Park.
Here are other programming highlights on KSL:
Saturday, July 20:
7-10 a.m. - "Greenhouse" will provide tips on how to help your lawn and garden make it through the hot summer.
10 a.m. - A free diagnosis on your car's problems on "Car Radio."
11 a.m. - "Your House" will discuss the repair of broken household appliances.
Sunday, July 21:
10 a.m. - Part Two of a trip to the Shakespearean Festival at Cedar City.
11 a.m. - Nutritionist Julie Metos from the American Heart Association is the guest on "Health & Fitness."
Monday, July 22:
10 a.m. - Debra Rieske discusses "Her Personal Best" on "Family Forum."
10:30 - "Smart Choices: Consumer Tips for Saving."
11 a.m. - "MSG, The Hidden Poison."
Tuesday, July 23:
10:30 a.m. - Barbara Willer from the National Association for the Education of Young Children offers suggestions for women who join the job force, despite having young children.