Warning: You asked for History
> I can pick up WBEN 930 from Buffalo outside of my apt
> building as I am in a high rise...
>
> What was KKLZ before classic rock?
>
They were Top 40 KITT "The Hit Kit" for their first two years on the air 1984-1985. Their first PD/Morning man was Ken Copper who was well known in the San Diego market. Latter "the Coach" became a part of the morning show, he latter went on to work the "Stardust Line" on KDWN in the early 90s.Jacklyn Fox (she may have been using the name Madolyn St James at this time) was doing middays. I think George Thomas (great guy!) was doing afternoons. Jim Fox (currently at KRXQ/Sacramento) was doing nights, he had a nightly "secret sound" contest.
I think if KITT would have signed on exactly one year earlier than they did they could have done well. In early 1983, KLUC was playing a lot of stale old rock and was afraid to play urban crossovers. KLUC was very vulnerable. But in Fall 1983, Dave Anthony returned as PD and really freshened KLUC up and added a lot more urban product. By the time KITT signed on in early 1984, KLUC was sounding awesome (and got a 13 share in the Spring 84 book!). To make things worse for KITT, in the Fall of 84' Donrey Media switched 97.1 from elevator music KEER to CHR KYRK. KITT couldn't survive the three way CHR race.
> What is the history of rock radio in Las Vegas?
>
92.3 was the first rock station in Las Vegas. In the 1970s they were known as "FM 92" KENO-FM. They had a very laid back, organic, no hype air delivery with zero production elements. Then in the late 70s 101.9 switched to hard rocking "KFM 102". KFM was a more produced, polished sounding station. The music on KFM was harder than 92.3, while KENO was playing the Cars, KFM would be playing AC/DC. Big Marty did middays at KFM and Jay Ford (despite my screename, I am not Jay Ford) did afternoons. I believe Jay Ford has been in the sales department at Lotus for many many years, every now and then I hear his voice on production and it gives me a flashback to the old KFM-102.
KFM was killing KENO-FM, so in the Fall of 1979 92.3 switched from rock to Top 40. KENO-FM. New Years day 1981 KFM-102 surprised the market by switching from rock to country. Shortly after that, around February 1981, Lotus switched 92.3 (or 92 back in those pre-digital days) back to rock. A song I remember them playing the day of the format switch was "Clubland" by Elvis Costello. They also played Steve Winwood "While you see a chance" which was brand new. I rememeber them mentioning that it was his first solo record ever. They played a lot of Rush, there was a lot of buzz on that band at the time. Another big song in the early days of KOMP was "Lunatic Fringe" by Red Rider.
Lotus wanted the call letters KMOB. but the FCC rejected it, so they settled with KOMP. The original PD was from the old KPRI/San Diego, I believe his name was Jessie Summers? They brought Big Marty in right away, who was already well known with the rock audience. Scott Jameson was one of the original jocks. I don't quite remember if Lark Williams was there from day 1, but she was at KOMP starting very early in the stations history. I remember them having an entertaining talk show on Sunday nights, it wasn't public affairs, it was a real talk show.
As for other rock stations. in the late 80s AM 1140 was heavy metal "The Krusher". In 1989 AM 1340 was an affiliate of the old "Z Rock" satellite network. 107.5 has been rock since early 1992, first as classic rock KFBI and for a decade now as KXTE Extreme Radio. If you count alternative as rock, we can't forget the old 103.5 The Edge which was the #1 rated ALT station in the U.S for several books between 1992-1995. Also, the college station, 91.5 KUNV used to be "Rock Avenue" at night. In the 1980s (pre-Edge) KUNV had a BIG following as it was the only station in LV that played alternative. "Rock Avenue" also featured some talk shows, one was "Punk Rock Dom" who years latter worked at KLAV and KXNT. Also a show by the name of "Touhdown-Fuddle"??, I believe (TV traffic guru) Tom Holly was one of the hosts of that show circa 1984.
Well, if you are not into history, you can't say I didn't warn you. If you enjoyed any of it, consider it a Christmas present. One thing I love about radio is how it's in a constant state of change (mixed in with some constants, KOMP for example). Decisions some stations made way back in the day still have an impact on the landscape of the radio market to this very day. 2005 was possibly the most eventful year in LV radio history, I never remember so many format changes. We'll see what 2006 brings us. Whatever happens, I'll still be talking about it in 2026 (if I'm blessed to still be alive) and will be able to tell you the exact month it happened. In fact, I'll be right here on Radio-Info if it's still around.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all,
Jay F
> Do you know when KKLZ is going to start streaming live
> online?
>
> I noticed many FM's from LV are streaming live now and it is
> nice to hear those stations in Toronto....I really don't
> listen to Toronto radio much...I like Buffalo instead....
>
> Adam
>
>
> > > thanks...same to you
> >
> > Agreenbe, can you pick up AM 930 WBEN/Buffalo where you
> live
> > in Canada? If so, check out their new evening host (who
> will
> > replace Dr Laura) Ron Dobson. His show will be more
> > interesting/less stuffy than what you normally hear on
> WBEN.
> >
> >
> > Ron used to work in the Las Vegas market many years ago.
> > Since you are a KKLZ fan you may be interested in this
> > trivia, Ron Dobson was the first jock ever on KKLZ when
> they
> > made the switch from CHR KITT in January 1986...which
> means
> > KKLZs 20th anniversary is almost here.
> >
> >
> > >
> > > > Dear Radio Colleagues:
> > > >
> > > > God Bless You....and may you receive superbly perfect
> > > gifts
> > > > from Radio Santa!
> > > >
> > > > Good Luck in 2006....
> > > >
> > > > Jon-David Wells
> > > > Fearless Broadcaster
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
