KZNS (AM-1280), an all-sports radio station, now has the majority of its programming simulcast on AM-800.
Brent Larson, owner/operator of radio stations KSOS (AM -800, Brigham City/Ogden) and KXOL (AM 1600, Hooper), has entered into an agreement with Simmons Media Group of Salt Lake City to lease the facilities and operate programming and marketing of the two stations.
The local marketing agreement won't completely supercede the programming of the two stations, however, according to Alan Hague, Simmons Media Group corporate operations/program manager. KSOS will continue to be the home of Ogden Raptors baseball and other special programming, such as "George Gonzales/El Rancho Grande" on Sunday mornings. KXOL will continue with its very successful oldies format.
None of the financial terms of the agreement were disclosed, but since AM-1280 did not show up in the latest Arbitron ratings estimates, the "Spring Book," this deal will bolster the audience of "The Zone," Utah's newest all-sports station.
KZNS features some of Utah's best-known sports broadcasters, including David James, Patrick Kinahan, Dave Fox, Ryan Hatch, Ian Furness, Jeff Hornacek, Craig Bolerjack and Gordon Monson.
"I am pleased with the new arrangement and look forward to building much closer ties with listeners at the top of Utah, where these stations' signals predominate," said Craig Hanson, president of Simmons Radio Group. "We sincerely welcome comments and suggestions from the communities we serve."
AM-800 has a good signal in extreme northern Utah and into southern Idaho.
THREE HEAVY HITTERS FROM NPR COMING TO TOWN — Three personalities from National Public Radio — Scott Simon, Neal Conan and Frank Deford, who are also new authors — will be in town Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 in honor of KCPW's 10th anniversary.
They will read from their books at a special dinner on Aug. 31 at Tuscany and will attend a picnic and Stingers baseball game on Sept. 1. They will announce the 2 p.m. game live and one of the three will throw out the first pitch.
Tickets for both day's events are $88.30 a person; for just the baseball game and picnic, it's $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Proceeds go to support KCPW (FM-88.3) programming. Call 359-5279 for tickets.
RURAL RADIO — One thing I miss when I leave the Wasatch Front — or any large-population area — is a wide selection of radio stations. Sure, there's satellite radio as an option these days, but nothing beats both familiar and local. During a time last weekend, while traveling through southern Idaho — Lava Hot Springs, Grace, Preston areas — I was pleasantly surprised to find two excellent stations coming in loud and clear: KSFI ("FM-100"), available during the day in much that area, and the new KLZX, a classic rock station from Cache Valley. There were some other local Idaho stations, mostly AM, but the quality of the two Utah stations' programming really made them stand out.
RADIO HAPPENINGS — Want to meet your favorite DJs? There's a good chance they might be broadcasting live on Saturday, Aug. 31, from either a Granite Furniture or RC Willey store. For example, "Fisher and Laura" of KQMB will be at the Orem Granite Store, 55 E. University, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. . . .
— KXRK (alias "X-96") has planned another "Big A Show." This one is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Utah State Fairpark and will feature 10 different bands. . . .
— KZHT is the top teenage station in the market and home of the most outrageous radio stunts these days, but FM-94.9 also has a serious side, too. For example, its Web site www.949zht.com, contains a spectacular opening photograph to highlight remembrance of 9/11.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com