Rock radio returns to Houston
Those of us who were missing KLOL have something to smile about:
At noon Thursday, Cumulus Media flipped the former KRWP-FM Power 97.5 urban contemporary station to Rock 97.5. The first song played was AC/DC's For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).
The station is led by radio veteran Pat Fant, who managed KLOL in its heyday from 1983 until 1995, when he introduced the Buzz alternative music format at KTBZ-FM (94.5).
"This town is too big, too fast, too fantastic not to have a real rock station," Fant told an excited crowd at a launch party at the Fox Sports Grill.
Former KLOL personalities Jim Pruett and Dayna Steele Justiz were among those in the audience. Pruett said he is negotiating with the new station to helm a midday show.
Rumors were flying that the station hopes to sign former KLOL disc jockeys Outlaw Dave and the morning duo of Walton & Johnson when their non-compete clauses expire in the next few months.
Fant said no contact has taken place with the former KLOL DJs, but "when this talent is free to negotiate, my phone is always open, and I'm eager to talk."
[snip]
While the rock format is not nearly as popular as it was 20 years ago, it does well among men between the ages of 25-54, a hard-to-reach demographic.
"Why do you think beer companies pay so much to be on Monday Night Football?" Taylor said.
The first advertiser on Rock 97.5 was Budweiser.
All's right with the world again.
Posted by Anne Linehan @ 01/28/05 06:59 AM | Print |
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