My friend Beth Warden asked me if I would post news of this summer’s La Crosse Radio Reunion. Beth worked on-air at Hit 105-FM (WLXR-FM 104.9) during the mid-1980s. In those days, even smaller markets often had two CHR competitors and La Crosse, Wisconsin was no exception. Here, it was Hit 105-FM vs Z93 (WIZM-FM… Read More »
Most of us already know this, but for those just getting started in DX’ing, here are the AM and FM frequencies used by broadcasters in the United States. If you hear a station operating outside of these frequencies, it may be a foreign station or even a pirate (unlicensed) broadcaster! Amplitude Modulation – AM –… Read More »
Former KTAR-AM 620 Phoenix morning host Bill Heywood and his wife, Susan, were found dead Wednesday afternoon in a Scottsdale hotel room, police said. Scottsdale, Arizona police Sergeant Mark Clark said that a note was found in the hotel room and they believe it was a murder-suicide. Sergeant Clark would not say what the note… Read More »
Former Clear Channel Top 40 KDWB-FM 101.3 Minneapolis/St. Paul PD Rob Morris has been named OM of CBS Radio’s KMNB-FM 102.9 (BUZ’N 102.9) and KZJK-FM 104.1 (104.1 Jack FM.) Rob will become PD of BUZ’N once his non-compete clause expires on July 2, 2012. While he’s waiting, Rob will join CBS cousin WJHM-101.9 Daytona Beach/Orlando… Read More »
The last time the KTWN call letters were heard on Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota was over 28 years ago on 107.9. Northern Lights has confirmed they will be returning as ‘96.3 NOW’ KHTC becomes Adult CHR ‘K-TWIN’ on January 1, 2012. Here is the official press release: “Steve Woodbury, the President and CEO of Northern Lights… Read More »
Just 2 days after WLTE-FM Minneapolis flips to BUZ’N Country 102.9 (see previous story), another heritage Lite AC in the Upper Midwest puts on their cowboy boots. This time, it’s Clear Channel’s WMT-FM, Mix 96.5. The switch took place December 27 at 9:00AM, a day and a half after Mix 96.5 ended it’s seasonal Christmas… Read More »
In case you have not yet heard, there were major fights yesterday at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Police said as many as 200 people were involved in the melee. Nine were arrested for disorderly conduct. I’ve received several e-mail requests for current Mall of America security and police scanner frequencies. I have… Read More »
The world’s newest Country station has just been born! BUZ’N 102.9 debuted at 6:00PM on December 25, 2011 in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. CBS decided to jump the gun by 14 hours. (Advertised time of arrival was 8:00AM on December 26.) First song played: Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!
Did your radio station celebrate Festivus? My friends at Townsquare Media did! The official Festivus Pole was brought into the building. Staff members then participated in an Airing of the Grievances. (I’m not sure who was pinned in order to end the Festivus celebration!)
KMXA-AM 1090 in Aurora, CO (suburban Denver) was booming into Minnesota last night. This station is licensed for 50,000 watts daytime, but only 500 watts nighttime with a tight 6 tower directional pattern. The nighttime pattern nulls Little Rock as well as in my direction. I’m guessing someone “forgot” to change to nighttime power/pattern. Anyone… Read More »
Radio in the Twin Cities is about to get interesting again! This morning, CBS Radio announced that longtime A/C WLTE-FM “102.9 Lite FM” is about to become BUZ’N 102.9, the “New Buz’n Country.” Ever since Colfax’s BOB 100FM left the local airwaves more than 14 years ago, there has been speculation that someone would fill… Read More »
Radio Geek Heaven has just learned that Red Lewis has died unexpectedly at the age of 46. Red worked for KTOE-AM 1420 in Mankato, Minnesota. Along with Don Rivet, Barry Wortel, and Pete Steiner, he hosted ‘The Morning Blend’ from 6:30-10:00AM each weekday. Red Lewis also served as Production Director for the Minnesota Valley Broadcasting/Radio… Read More »
After serving East Central Minnesota for 16 years, Mora’s KBEK-FM 95.5 falls silent today (Friday, September 30, 2011.) KBEK’s 25,000 watt signal provided primary coverage to the communities of Mora, Princeton, Cambridge, and Milaca. They aired a unique mix of Oldies, featuring live and local air personalities. KBEK owner Colleen McKinney confirmed to the local… Read More »
De La Hunt Broadcasting has just updated their website. There are some GREAT additions on here including a photo gallery of KPRM AM-1240 in Park Rapids, Minnesota throughout the years. Also, Ed and Carol De La Hunt’s 2006 induction to the Pavek Museum Hall of Fame. Featured are an audio montage of the early days… Read More »
I just received this from a reader. Can you help Shannon? If so, please comment publicly or e-mail me and I will forward the information and/or photos. Thanks! “Good Afternoon Drew, Perhaps you could help. I am seeking 2 things. Neither of which I am having any luck finding. I’ve been scouring the web and… Read More »
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the residents of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Cullman, Alabama this morning. Yesterday’s severe weather (April 27, 2011) produced massive tornadoes which killed or injured many people. At the time of this writing, the Alabama death toll from these storms stands at 128. That number is expected to rise. Live,… Read More »
I stumbled across these gems on YouTube and wanted to share with my fellow RadioGeeks. Anyone who grew up in the 1970s and early 1980s remembers K-Tel Records. Who could resist the temptation of 18, 20, 22 or more hit songs by the original artists, all on one record or tape? Nevermind the songs were… Read More »
Turns out, the rumors out of Kansas City are true. Entercom will be blowing up it’s “forever” A/C KUDL-FM 98.1 and creating an FM simulcast for Newsradio 980 KMBZ. The flip takes place on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 2:00PM CDT. The new combo will reportedly be marketed as “Newsradio 980 and now 98.1, KMBZ.”… Read More »
A small Wisconsin town is about to witness the return of local radio to their community. Durand Broadcasting, owned by Karla and Brian Winnekins, has purchased WQOQ-AM 1430 from Zoe Communications for $20,000. WQOQ-AM has been off the air for much of the past several years. Previously, it was simulcast with FM sister station WDMO-FM… Read More »
The 2,000 foot tower which had been home to WEAU-TV 13 and WAXX-FM 104.5 has collapsed. The tower at Fairchild, Wisconsin had stood since 1966. It was one of the tallest structures in the United States. WAXX-FM had been considered by many to be the biggest FM signal in the state of Wisconsin. It’s unclear… Read More »