"Q99" is no more. FM-99.5 switched formats a week ago from a hit, contemporary-music style to rock music and became "Rock 99."
According to Bill Stakelin, chief officer for Regent Communications in Covington, Ky., the format change was based on market research that concluded Salt Lake City hasn't had a real rock music station since the original KLZX ("Z-93") died last year."We're very excited about it," Stakelin said. "It will serve us very well."
He said research has shown there are still a lot of fans hungry for a rock format and that KRSP and KBER aren't fulfilling that need.
Stakelin said the format, although classic-rock based, is also mixing some current rock music into its blend, so "rock" is the most accurate word to describe it.
The 99.5 personalities have all remained the same, despite the format switch.
In fact Mick Martin and Allen Handy, morning hosts, used to do rock music when they worked at KBER. They seem really excited to be back doing rock music.
Bill Hurley, vice president and general manager for Regent in Salt Lake City, said Chet Buchanan is the new program director for 99.5. He will also retain his programming duties at KZHT.
Hurley said FM-99.5 is applying for new call letters to better fit the format change but will continue to be officially known as KUTQ until the FCC approves new call letters.
- Meanwhile, sister station KZHT (FM-94.9) is keeping its rhythmic, contemporary-hit-radio format. Stakelin said that music style remains one of the hottest in the country and is especially popular among teenagers.
- Stakelin said there's no truth whatsoever to a report in last week's "Radio dial" that Regent Communications was selling its 20 stations to Jacor Communications.
"The story is absolutely wrong. They've made no offer," he said.
No one's sure where the rumors of the sale came from, but they are rampant nationally, too.
Regent Communications owns five stations in Salt Lake City and manages two others.
- RADIO HAPPENINGS - "Kidd Cassidy" on KKAT played some messages his son in North Carolina left on his answering machine during the recent hurricane there. On Tuesday the DJ asked listeners about punishments they've received from teachers and also about interesting things that happened to them at the state fair . . . "The Wakeup Club" on KBEE has an entertainment report from Leeza Gibbons each weekday around 7:15 a.m. On Tuesday the DJs asked listeners to share their wacky neighbor stories . . .
"Fisher, Todd and Erin" on KISN-FM discussed prairie dogs and how to get rid of them Monday. Lisa defeated Roger Tuesday in the station's "Battle of the Sexes" . . . "Charlee and Brian" on KBER did a Casey Kasem spoof Tuesday . . . Jimmy Chunga on KENZ was offering free food at Winger's . . . Len Allen and Arnie Wheeler on KLO discussed more garden tips with the "Garden Doctor" this week . . .
Todd Herman on KCNR talked about working parents Monday and the problems for them raising children . . . Tom Barberi on KALL said he and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, have finally made up, of sorts, despite their disagreements on many issues. On Tuesday Barberi talked about Ross Perot's impending TV appearance and also about the show business in modern presidential politics . . .
The "Totally Useless Trivia" segment on KSFI Monday with "Dain and Peggy" involved the speed golf balls travel . . . "Jon and Dan" on KUBL discussed tailgating stories with listeners Monday. On Tuesday the DJs had a special "makeup" day for listeners to set things right with friends or lovers.. . .
Mark Van Wagoner on KDYL had Danny Kramer fill in for him a few hours Monday morning while he went to audition for a role in "Touched By An Angel" . . . KZHT had another "Name that Baby" contest Tuesday morning . . . "Kerry, Bill and Gina" on KXRK talked with regular caller Louise again Tuesday. She provided unusual tips on storing your garden hose.