KLO (AM-1430) didn't switch to an all-talk format earlier this week, but the station is still moving in that direction.
Also, KISN (FM-97.1) recently altered its musical programming from adult-contemporary to an all-1980s hits format. The new station slogan is "KISN 97, the '80s and beyond."
Its new operator, Clear Channel Broadcasting of Salt Lake, has also moved the KISN studios to its West Valley complex at 2801 S. Decker Lake Blvd. That means KISN is now in the same building with seven other radio stations (KKAT, KALL-AM, KWLW-AM, KODJ, KURR, KZHT and KNRS-AM).
"Fisher, Todd and Erin" are still doing a KISN morning show, as usual, but some other day parts may become automated.
The format change probably means KISN will compete more against KBEE (FM-98.7). The change is also probably more in line with most of the music "Fisher, Todd and Erin" already play on their show.
Like KDYL, abandoning the nostalgic music style last summer in favor of syndicated talk radio, KLO should be making the change soon. It only plans on keeping the Len Allen show and music in the morning, and the rest would be talk radio.
The reason for the change is that although the listeners of nostalgic music comprise a good share of the radio market, selling enough advertising for the format has become increasingly difficult.
After the demise of KLO's big-band music (except in the mornings), only KKDS (AM-1060) is continuing with an all-nostalgic music format in the Salt Lake market.
CHRISTMAS WISHES COME TRUE — KKAT (FM-101.9) and Ken Garff West Valley Dodge have joined forces for their second annual holiday event.
Starting Monday, KKAT personalities are encouraging listeners to submit letters explaining why they or someone they know would be a worthy recipient of a Christmas wish. Last year, the station received hundreds of letters and ended up helping more than 100 families have their holiday wishes granted.
The dealership and the station also solicit donations from local businesses to help grant wishes, and KKAT and West Valley Dodge provide cash to cover the costs of many of the gifts.
Throughout the holiday season, KKAT will visit those selected to present the Christmas wishes — live on the air.
To submit a Christmas wish, write to Christmas Wish, c/o KKAT, 2801 S. Decker Lake Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84119.
STUCK ON THE DIAL — A small, portable radio that I've used for the past three years to monitor Wasatch Front radio stations on the bus and places outside my car broke recently and became stuck on just one station.
What's the station? It's KXRK (alias "X-96.1," FM), ironically the biggest gainer in the latest Arbitron radio ratings and No. 1 for age 12-plus and 18-34 age groups. I guess if you're going to get stuck, it might as well be on No. 1.
JUMBOTRONS ARE UP for the Airwaves/Simmons Media Group at the corner of 700 E. 500 South. These giant screens can be a message board or a TV screen. There's one facing north on 700 East and another facing west.
The company is also using its showcase radio studio, at the corner of 700 East and 500 South, to highlight one of its stations — KSFI, KXRK, KRSP, KDYL or KQMB.
MORE INTERNET RADIO — Tom Barberi of KALL and Mick and Allen of KURR have their own alternate Web sites now. As offshoots of www.ripthemedia.com, Barberi now has an underground "Radio Free Utah" forum site and so does "The Freak Show" from "Rock 99."
RADIO HAPPENINGS — I had the call letters for "The Blaze" wrong in last week's column. They are KWKD, not KUFR. . . . KBYU will broadcast Wagner's "Ring" cycle on Nov. 22, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. Each show will be at 7 p.m. on FM-89.1 in northern Utah and FM-89.5 in southern Utah. KBYU is also online at: www.kbyu.org/FM . . .
KWCR, Weber State University's student radio station, won 15 awards last week in a regional competition at Washington State University. The station DJs swept many of the awards, and this may be the best-ever showing for Weber radio talent, who have been held back in the past by old equipment.
Deseret News radio editor Lynn Arave can be reached by e-mail at lynn@desnews.com or by phone at 237-2168.