In just one weekend, things can change dramatically in the unpredictable world of radio.
On Monday, May 2, KLO (AM-1430) started a new format, and Richard Cano, former KKAT personality, jumped ship from KRGQ to KUTQ (FM-99.5) to create the "New Breakfast Bunch" (weekdays, 5:30-10 a.m.).- KLO's new format is "Stardust" - a nostalgic style featuring the greatest hits of the past 40-plus years, including everything from big band to Neil Diamond.
The Ogden-based station, which turns 70 this September, will still provide ABC News and Weber State University sporting events. In addition, KLO will broadcast the play by play for Ogden Raptors baseball this summer.
Len Allen, a veteran Utah DJ who has spent almost 47 years at KLO, will continue doing mornings joined by another Utah radio veteran, Arny Wheeler, a host at KDYL in the 1980s when it had the similar nostaglic format. Allen and Wheeler's show runs 5-10 a.m.
The remainder of KLO's weekend DJ lineup is: Joe Lacina (10 a.m.-2 p.m.); Eddie Hubbard (2-7 p.m.); Dave Rafferty (7-11 p.m.) and Patty Pratt (11 p.m.-5 a.m.)
The new format, targeted to listeners age-35 and up, is in response to numerous listener requests for a format featuring the music they grew up with.
- After only six days on the job as the morning host at KRGQ, Cano became the new morning co-host on KUTQ (alias "Q-99," FM) with Kevin McCormick.
With his move to KUTQ, Cano is back in the mainstream of local radio. He's also likely earning more money.
The "Q" is a hit-radio station, while KRGQ was country - as was his former station, KKAT. Cano was a hit-radio DJ in California before coming to Utah.
"I feel really good about Cano," said Gary Waldron, KUTQ general manager, who considers Cano one of Utah's most experienced radio personalities.
He said Cano has a one-year contract, with another one-year renewable option.
Waldron said KUTQ is striving to be more provocative, and Cano fits well into that trend. However, he cautioned that the "Q" will not go to the blue radio levels that Cano had while at KKAT.
Ironically, the vacancy at KUTQ was created when former co-host Scotty Christopher moved to KKAT earlier this year to form a new morning team with Gary Zane.
KRGQ also lost its big star with the Cano switch, and some of its billboard advertising became obsolete overnight.
Also at KUTQ, Gary Michaels has switched time slots to become the afternoon personality (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) while Brian Fox has moved to afternoon drive, 2-6 p.m.
- In other news pertaining to Cano, the DJ said he is seeking a $350,000 contract settlement from KKAT.
Cano told the Deseret News he signed a new three-year contract at KKAT, owned by Apollo Radio, in late 1993 that was set to begin Feb. 1, 1994. However, Cano was fired on Jan. 21, 10 days before the new contract was to begin.
He said he believes KKAT should honor the contract and has sent a letter to KKAT's attorney asking for the settlement. He stressed he's only seeking what he's entitled to - the settlement of the remainder of the contract he signed with KKAT - not anything extra.
Neither KKAT management nor its parent company, Apollo Radio of New York, would comment on the Cano settlement request.
- KSL (AM-1160) - Utah's oldest station celebrates its 72nd birthday Friday, May 6. KSL started up in 1922 as KZN. It later changed its call letters to KSL - for K-Salt Lake.
- KCPW (FM-88.3) and the Hinckley Institute of Politics will air "South African Elections - An Eyewitness Report" at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, featuring Howard Beck, official Utah AFL-CIO election monitor.
- NEW LDS PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMS - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has added seven new programs to its "Times and Seasons" radio series.
These free public affairs programs are available for use on stations throughout the country and address important moral and social issues.
The new programs are "Music and Values," "Religion and Democracy," "Community Solutions to Community Problems," "Ethics in Business," "Religion and Media," "Religion and the Environment" and "Media and Values."
The "Times and Seasons" series started in 1988 and has 33 programs to date. Series producer L. Gerry Pond said the programs are produced in a documentary style and address issues through discussion and expert opinion.
For example, the "Music and Values" program teaches parents how to select the type of music they should listen to. It also examines music's effect on society and how it reflects various cultures.
Free program transcripts are available to the public by calling 800-453-3860, ext. 4612, and cassettes cost $1 each at the Salt Lake Distribution Center, 1999 W. 1700 South.
- KBYU (FM-89.1) invited classical music fans to participate in the station's 15th annual "Classical Top 40 Tally."
Listener choices of their favorite classical music selections are being counted and will air Monday, May 9, through Friday, May 13, at 8 a.m. daily in the traditional countdown style.
In addition, winners of CDs - in conjunction with the rankings - will be announced May 13.
- KBYU will air performances from the Lyric Opera of Chicago at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7.
- TEN YEARS AGO - KUER broadcast live square dance music from Trolley Square each Saturday night.
- RADIO HAPPENINGS - A new slogan for KLZX is "the best classic rock in the universe." Brett Connor was filling in for Dan Bammes on the station Monday, and the latest version of "Mr. Roberts' Neighborhood" discussed pets. On Wednesday, "Jon and Dan" gave Jazz playoff tickets to listeners who had a descriptive term for Dennis Rodman . . . "Mike and Mike" on KZHT had special Dennis Rodman poetry Monday . . .
"Fisher and Todd" on KISN-FM asked moms what they wanted for Mother's Day. On Wednesday, the DJs took listener stories on incorrect beliefs they had in childhood . . . "Mr. Mannly" on the Kerry and Bill show on KXRK Monday gave some Army advice . . . "Allen and Hayes" on KBER have a new contest, "Beat the Cock," in which listeners must answer a lengthy question before the rooster crows to win a prize. On Wednesday, the KBER DJs had a telephone interview with "Mr. T." He said he has his own comic book . . .
Scott NcNeil of KSFI joked Monday that co-host Peggy Ijams should run for Congress . . . McCormick and Cano gave away free movie tickets and free breakfasts this week . . . "The Wakeup Club" on KVRI gave away Jazz playoff tickets to a listener who answered a Utah tourist question correctly Monday. On Wednesday, Club members washed the windshields of out-of-state vehicles in downtown Salt Lake City . . .
Tom Barberi on KALL-AM does occasional prize giveaways. Wednesday he awarded gift certificates, such as one for a box of nuts, to callers who could answer a question correctly . . . The KSOP "County Classic" song is worth $104, while the KKAT "Hot Country Song of the Day" is worth $500 . . . KUMT has "Blues for Breakfast" each morning . . .
KDYL has a new TV commercial coming out soon, featuring Tony Bennett making a plug for the station. The station also will be giving away trips for two to San Francisco every week for six weeks, beginning May 20.