If the call letters "KZN" sound familiar, they should. They were KSL's original call letters in 1922. And now AM-1280, formerly KDYL, is using those three letters as its new nickname for a news/sports format.
AM-1280, owned by Simmons Media Group, couldn't obtain just the KZN call letters alone. Only heritage stations, like KSL and KLO, have three call letters these days, AM-1280 is officially KZNS.
This change started Nov. 12, with newsman Dan Bammes and sports-talk personalities Craig Bolerjack, Gordon Monson and Ian Furness anchoring the lineup.
According to G. Craig Hanson, president of Simmons, the "KZN" concept isn't just going to be a single station. Simmons is working on a network of at least three other stations, one in St. George and two in the Idaho Falls area. They'll use a variation of KZN too, like KZNR, KZNU and KZNI, and simulcasts of some of the programming — especially sports — will go on all four stations.
Simmons said this change isn't an attempt to duplicate the former all-news KWMS, which existed on AM-1280 from 1982-86. Nor is it an attempt to directly compete against KSL. "We're not going to do all news," Hanson said. "That's too costly."
Bammes anchors the morning show, from 6-9 a.m., while all the sports personalities will combine for a 2-7 p.m. sports/news show each weekday.
Simmons took Bammes from Metro Traffic (meaning he will no longer be doing news on KUBL, KBEE or KBER or doing guest spots on KSL), while the sports staff came from cuts and departures from KFNZ (AM-1320). Simmons also has sports producer Jason Cheney from "K-Fan."
KDYL had all syndicated programming before, most of which is now gone, including the Don Imus morning show. It's still being decided what will remain of the old KDYL shows.
The KZN change means the Wasatch Front now has at least 3 1/2 all-sports stations. KFNZ, KWUN (AM-1230) and KOVO (AM-960) have full-time all-sports formats. (Count KSL and KALL's part-time sports formats too and there's even more.)
Even radio markets the size of New York or Los Angeles don't have this many all-sports stations.
Despite the reduction, KFNZ still has plenty of sports staff left, including Steve Klauke, David James, Ron Boone, Tom Nissalke and Jeff Rickard.
CLEAR CHANNEL DOWNSIZES — Salt Lake's Clear Channel has trimmed at least eight employees from its payroll in recent weeks. Greg Smith of KODJ and "Gentleman Jim" of KKAT are the latest casualties, along with AM program director Larry Crandall.
Tom Sly, general manager, said these cuts were needed based on recent economic downturns in the market. Last month, Clear Channel made at least five other reductions for various reasons.
Scott Fisher and Allen Handy, mornings on KISN (FM-97.1), are billing themselves as "Fisher and the Handyman," while Mick Martin continues solo mornings on KURR ("Rock 99"), though he has used various guest co-hosts recently.
NEW STATION COMING — Any time now, KJQN, a new alternative music station, will premiere on a new frequency, FM-100.7. Similar to its sister station, KXRK ("X-96"), this one will be skewed to a younger audience. "KJQ" will be very much like the former version of KJQN in Ogden, that started the careers of Bill Allred and Kerry Jackson. The new station, though licensed in Brigham City, should reach most of the Wasatch Front.
CHANNEL 105.7 is going strong with a new alternative music format. Its calls remain KCPX and now Ian McCain has been hired as program director and mid-day personality. Otherwise the station will likely rely on voicetracked DJs from other markets.
RADIO HAPPENINGS — Congressman Jim Hansen will offer a "Congressional Update," airing on KUER (FM-90.1), Tuesday, Nov. 20, 10:45 a.m.
— "Dain and Peggy" of KSFI ("FM-100") will feature Jim Brickman live in a mini-concert on Monday, Nov. 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Airwaves Radio Safe, 515 S. 700 East. He'll be performing songs from his new CD, as well as Christmas favorites.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com