Summer P2 Ratings

Yesterday's ratings brought some significant changes. The country format took a major stride forward, with a surprising jump of KSOP-FM (Country 104) gaining 0.6, to #4. KUBL-FM (K-Bull 93) took #2, while KKAT-FM (K102) remained the same. KQMB-FM (Star 102.7) beat KZHT-FM (94-9 ZHT) again, but only by 0.1 this time. However if KQMB beats KZHT in the next period, it will display higher in the overall ratings. KBEE-FM "The All-New B98.7," was down 0.4, and KUDD-FM "Power 107.9," was 0.3. KZNS "1280 The Zone," has still not appeared in the ratings nearly since it's debut. Perhaps the new 800 and 960 will aid it, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. One interesting feature that has appeared recently is the bit of war on the AM for the hispanic/Mexican listeners along the Wasatch Front. KSGO, KSVN, and KBJA/KHQN appear regularly in the ratings. They represent a 2.3 share in the market, or roughly a station with as many listeners as KISN-FM "Kisn 97."

Tweaking for KJQ?

According to one reader, it appears that KJQ is beginning to lean AAA. In a letter written to KJQ listeners, it displayed a wider variety of 90's music. Example: Sting/If I Ever Lose My Faith In You.

Marathon Media & Lee Family Deal Still On

Our tipster, who tipped us off on a deal between Millcreek/Marathon Media and Lee Family Broadcasting in Rupert, Idaho, claims the deal is still on. The six-figure deal would allow Millcreek to move it's KUUU-Tooele "U92," currently at 92.1 FM, to 92.3 FM and increase power to the north, allowing one frequency for it's CHR/Rythmic station, and hopefully gain listeners in southern Idaho. Lee Family would them move their station KKMV at 92.5 to 102.9, and their KMVX from 102.9 to 92.7. This should take effect by next summer.

Todd "Nuk'em," of KJQ: "Andrea Has Left The Industry"

After the departure of "Andrea," from Simmons Media's KJQN "KJQ," Todd, PD writes in a letter to listeners that Andrea has "left the industry." The letter, reported by a Utah Radio Guide tipster, claims "Quite a few of our listeners have asked, 'What happened to Andrea?' She has left the industry to pursue a different career... She still says KJQ is her favorite radio station."

Mick Martin Has Moved To Afternoons

Former Rock 99 Morning Show host Mick Martin has switched places with "Jaxon," and is now doing afternoons.

KOVO Simulcasting KZN

It appears that KOVO 960, owned currently by Marathon Media, is simulcasting Simmons' Media 1280 KZN The Zone. The station must be under an agreeement with the owners of Marathon.

Clear Channel GM Named

Stuart Stanek has been named as the local "Market Manager," replacing recently fired Tom Sly. There is still no word of an Operations Director, but according to and article on R&R Online, Clear Channel has announced that they are creating programmers on a regional level. If this is true, there may never be an Opeationd Director again in Salt Lake City, ever.

Power Simulcast Returns

The now defunct 103.9 simulcast of Marathon Media's KWKD "Mad Dog 102.3," now has the return of Power 107.9 to it's KMDG Nephi frequency. The 103.9 frequency was home to the original "Dianna 103.9," which later became "Dianna 107.9," then "Power D 107.9," then the current "Power 107.9." This information was current as of 4:00 PM today. According to one tipster, he believes it's because of the weak signal that KUDD carries in Utah County, that is currently due to a booster that's offline.

Simmons to Sell Salt Lake?

On tip to us, is a possibility of Simmons selling in Salt Lake City, to Infinity. While it's only a rumor, Simmons did recently sell it's Albequerque stations. However, Salt Lake City seems to be more profitable, and Simmons usually has 2 or 3 stations in the top five, locally. It doesn't seem likely, and it isn't the first "Simmons to sell," rumor to ever surface.

Mad Dog's New Home

The simulcast of Millcreek/Marathon Media's "Mad Dog," 102.3 and 103.9 has ended with 103.9 (the original station), being switched off. 103.9-FM, KMDG, is currently stunting with a legal-id, and instructions to tune to 102.3. The tipster who wrote, said they called the station, (which the numbers are now 570-1023), and they claimed that it was from, "FTC problems." FCC problems? Who knows?

Former Clear Channel GM to Marathon?

According to a tip, former Clear Channel GM Tom Sly will soon be the COO for Marathon Media coorporate. Sly's duties will also incude keeping an eye over the company's Rocky Mountain properties.

Clear Channel Mass Format Change?

A series of posts by The Insider on the Utah Radio Guide forum, claims "inside information," to a mass format change of KISN, KZHT, and KURR. The first said:

"Get Ready For This! Change on it's way at Clear Channel's [KURR] 99.5 FM As a reminder low ratings does not bring in revenue or advertising!"

Note that KURR did bring in one of it's best trends at a 2.6 beating KCPX and KISN. A second post five hours later by The Insider, claimed:

"Due to getting busted @ work this will be my last post, Stay tuned to Clear Channel Stations along the Wasatch Front, New Big Bosses unhappy, many changes on it's way. One more for 'ya! Possible flips @ KZHT & KISN get ready to get KISSED :) All I can say is 'GET READY FOR THIS' "

True there is a new general manager, and operations director at Clear Channel, and if a change is going to happen, now would be the time. However, until there is some sort of more evidance that this is truely an "insider," and not someone posting for fun, I'd consider this only a "possible" rumor. My opinion: If this WAS to happen, they might make a KISN "KISS FM," a KZHT "Hot 94," CHR/Rythmic station, and some sort of new 80's-format classic rock at 99.5 left over from the old KURR and KISN. However, it doesn't seem likely ... yet.

Rock 99 Morning Show History ... Again

It appears that Mick and Woody are history. According to several sources, they were let go last Monday. No word as to why, or if either personality will return to any other local station. It also appears that former afternooner "Jaxon" is doing mornings, perhaps temporarily. Rumors also say that "Chinaman," may join him for mornings.