KFNZ radio (alias "K-FAN, AM-1320) is already the official Utah Jazz station, and starting Tuesday it hopes to expand that image with new and expanded weekday sports talk shows.
Station director of operations David Locke said the main concept behind the changes is to anchor each local talk show with at least one 20-year-plus Utah Jazz or NBA veteran commentator.Ron Boone will be joining current hosts Gordon Monson and Kevin Graham for 6-10 a.m. morning show.
KFNZ is also expanding the syndicated Jim Rome "Jungle" show by one hour in the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. slot. That means the "Channel 2 Sports Den Show" will be canceled.
A new show - "The Odd Couple" with Dave Blackwell and Barry Hancock - will air 1-3 p.m.
David Locke and Steve Klauke will be joined by Tom Nissalke in another new show - "Championship Jazz Talk" - from 3-7 p.m.
Boone, Blackwell and Nissalke all have 20-plus years in NBA coverage.
To highlight these changes, the station will broadcast all day Tuesday live from the Gallivan Center, 36 E. 200 South.
Locke said the station will host a Marv Albert look-a-like contest Tuesday at noon and will also stage a media two-on-two basketball tournament.
In addition, KFNZ will premiere its new Internet site next week.
Amid these AM-1320 changes, rumors are also circulating that Jaycor Communications may be starting another all-sports station on one of its two new stations-to-be - either AM-570 or AM-700 - next month.
Some rumors say the premiere will be as early as Oct. 15.
However, Larry Crandall, program director for sister station KALL, said these are just rumors. He said Jaycor can't do anything with the two new stations until it is given official control by the Federal Communications Commission.