"Jimmy Chunga" and "Mister" (West) of KENZ (alias "The End," FM-107.5) aren't quite sure why they are the No. 1 morning show for young adults, ages 18-34. But it's probably because they are spontaneous and in touch with their listeners.
From their occasional stunts to their "Italian Millionaire" contest and the "Lunch Lady" features, these guys produce an exciting, yet almost always tasteful, show that mothers could feel secure about.
"I want it to be a clean show," Chunga said. "Blue radio is easy to do."
They plan their show ahead of time and strive to talk about what young adults are interested in, like new movies and videos. But they still don't sound staged.
Casey Scott is the show's producer, and he's never afraid to do whatever stunt someone may suggest, like skating down from the state Capitol to the station's South Salt Lake studio. "You can tell when comedy is scripted or forced," Scott said.
Chunga and Mister have also done some stunts. Most memorable was a few years ago when they added a "2" to the University of Utah "U" symbol on the mountainside prior to a U2 concert. Chunga also rode Lagoon's "Rocket: Re-entry" ride 88 consecutive times in a three-hour marathon last year.
Staging an all-night "Star Wars" party two years ago when "Episode 1" premiered also gained the DJs national attention. And Chunga did a promotion a few years ago where he went out and hugged some 34,000 of the station's listeners over an extended period.
These days, Chunga and Mister have an average of almost 50,000 listeners a morning for their 5:30-10 a.m. weekday show. Chunga started doing his show when the station premiered on Jan. 1, 1996. Mister came along in October 1999.
The two DJs have good chemistry, with Mister doing the news — and many times keeping Chunga in check.
Chunga isn't his real name, by the way. It's a nickname credited to a reference Bill Allred of KXRK made about 10 years ago, and Chunga decided to adopt it. Ironically, now Chunga competes against Allred and his "Radio from Hell" show. If Chunga's show isn't No. 1 for young adults, Allred's usually is.
Never at a loss for words, Chunga even decided to put me on the spot during a recent show I sat in on; he made me the "lifeline" for the millionaire contest, and I lost a caller more than $200 by providing an incorrect answer.
Sitting at the controls of the studio, Chunga is definitely in control of the show.
A while later, it was proven how unpredictable radio is, as the show was knocked off the air twice briefly by some technical difficulties.
Kirsten, "The Traffic Queen," does a remote road report for the show and also adds variety and humor during drive time.
Looking around the KENZ studio, there's an in-room fax machine, a large Mexican hat, a more-than-life-size poster of Chunga in the corner and wall-to-wall "The End" posters/stickers.
OLDIES, "THE CAR" — I've had no problem recently picking up FM-104.9 in Davis County, a relatively new oldies music station. The station, from Tremonton, Box Elder County, is playing some songs that KODJ doesn't, and its call letters are KNFL.
OLDIES, "THE FOX" — Next time you visit St. George, check out KXFF, FM-102.3, a new oldies station. It premiered June 21, and Dale Nelson, former programmer for KBZN, "The Breeze," is its program director. The new station replaces KCIN Kickin' County on FM frequencies 102.3 in St. George and 92.5 in Cedar City.
"Classic Kickin' Country" KCIN has moved to AM-940, replacing KBRE "Magic 940," which is now gone. The stations are owned by MB Media Group of St. George.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com