Idaho Radio News Etc.

I’ve spent the last few days in Hailey, Idaho covering the story of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl – and have had a chance to listen to a few of the south-central stations I don’t get to hear from home.

KZDX/99.9 The Buzz has a provocative promo on the air that features a robotic DJ voice (which sounds intentionally awful) – then tags with the KZDX voice guy saying “don’t expect our DJs to get pink slips and be replaced by robots. 99.9 The Buzz — live and local radio the way it’s supposed to be.”

KTPZ/94.3 KTPZ now features a healthy diet of syndicated programming – with Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, Ryan Seacrest from 3-7pm and “Party Playhouse with Jackson Blue” each evening from 7pm-midnight.

KZDX/99.9 The Buzz has picked up Kurt Kruzer for the morning show – joined by Amber Gold.  The air used to hold down that same fort on the station.

Broc Johnson moves to afternoons, and remains program director.

Voiceover talent Brian James died last week at 48 of a heart attack. James did stations all over the United States and the UK — and several here in Idaho. He is the voice of KZDX/99.9 The Buzz, KIDO/580 and 63, the former voice of KSAS/103.3 Kiss FM and more.

“Of all the voiceover artists I’ve ever worked with, he was by far the greatest,” KZDX’s Broc Johnson said. “Incredible personality… great sense of humor… and truly irreplaceable. He’s been the voice of KZDX/99.9 The Buzz for well over a decade. He will, not only as a master of the microphone and the voice of hundreds of TV and radio stations, but also as an incredible person and friend, forever be missed. “

Massive cuts in the Twin Falls market – hitting all three major groups.

KZDX/99.9 The Buzz – Liz leaves the AM shift

KYUN/106.7 The Canyon’s Ken Simmons leaves mornings

KTFI – News anchor Dale Metzger exits

KTPZ/Music Monster 99.1’s Howard Mayhem is out.

KLIX/Kool Superhits 96.5 – Doc Holiday, mornings is out – Brad from sister KEZJ is doing double-duty.

PS: Radio-Info’s column says these are all GAP stations – however  KZDX is a Lee Family station, KYUN, KTFI and KTPZ are Locally Owned stations and KLIX is GAP-owned.

A set of massive changes that could reshape radio across Idaho are moving closer to reality. This week, the FCC accepted for filing several proposals that will move several stations from their current dial positions.

• KQEO from 107.1 to 107.9, moving to a new tower with coverage in both Poky & IF (filing)
• KAOX from Kemmerer, WY to Shelley, ID at 107.1. This station would colocate on the KQEO tower. (filing)
• KZDX from 99.9 to 93.5 The Buzz would increase power from 27kw to 63kw and get a directional antenna aimed at TF/Jerome. (filing)

As previously reported, KBYI is moving from 100.5 to 94.3 with Sand Hill Media taking the 100.5 dial position.

Morning Show Co-Host In Beautiful Twin Falls, Idaho

99.9 The Buzz/KZDX-FM is looking for it’s next morning show co-host. Do you have a comeback for everything anyone says? Are you tied into pop culture inside AND outside the radio station? Can you come to the table in the morning with every detail of last night’s Grey’s Anatomy? Will you have heard our promo CDs before they even show up in the mailbox? Then THIS IS THE GIG FOR YOU! One year fulltime on air experience required. If this is you, send your stuff to Broc Johnson, Operations Manager, Lee Family Broadcasting, 953 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., Twin Falls, ID, 83301 or e-mail to brocjohnson@leeradio.net. FEMALES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY! Lee Family Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Federal Communications Commission just approved a big rulemaking document that affects a raft of frequencies across Idaho. As part of the decision, KZDX/99.9 The Buzz will have to leave its current dial position behind for a new slot at 93.5 FM. KZBQ/Idaho Country 93.7 will shift to 93.9 FM – and KQEU/Arrow 107.1 will slide up to 107.9

Our FCC expert Oldtimer has the breakdown:

WINNERS in IDAHO

- Sand Hill Media’s KSNA 94.3 a C2 licensed to Rexburg Idaho swaps channels with co-owned KUPI at 99.1 thus giving it an improved signal over Idaho Falls.
- Sand Hill’s KUPI takes over the frequency of BYU-Idaho’s KBYI at 100.5 which will give it a transmitter site near Idaho Falls and thus coverage over both Idaho Falls & Pocatello.
- Sun Valley Radio’s KLZX 95.9 licensed to Weston ID upgrades to a C3 from an A and moves to 99.9.
- Simmons owned KOAX 107.3 C2 licensed to Kemmerer WY becomes a move-in to Shelley Idaho covering Idaho Falls & Blackfoot.
- College Creek, another Chris Devine entity, has their Ashton Idaho Fm construction permit changed from 96.5 class A to 104.5 which will allow it to move closer to Idaho Falls & Rexburg.

LOSERS in IDAHO

- The community of Soda Springs loses its only local FM as it moves to Wilson (Jackson) WY at 100.1 as a C3.
- BYU-Idaho’s KBYI is forced to change frequencies from 100.5 to 94.3 despite its objections to the FCC.
- KZBQ Pocatello changes frequency from 93.7 to 93.9 despites its objections to the FCC.
- KZDX Burley changes frequency from 99.9 to 93.5.
- KQEO Idaho Falls changes frequency from 107.1 to 107.9
- Vacant channel 105.1 class A at Dubois ID to 96.5 class A

KZDX/99.9 The Buzz held its first Christmas Party — this last Sunday at Nazzkart in Twin Falls. The event doled out 700 presents, 300 meals and a raft of activities for more than 300 children in need from throughout the Magic Valley.

The kids didn’t just get any meal – but a steak feast from Outback Steakhouse – plus a visit with Santa Claus and more. The kids also got goodies bags – and a case of frozen spuds for their family.

“Most of the gifts were purchased with donations made to the event,” said 99.9 The Buzz Program Director Broc Johnson. “Through our fund drives on and off the air, we’ve experienced overwhelming support from our Magic Valley residents and businesses – it makes me proud to live in, work in, and be a part of this community.”

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