Well that was fast, in more than one respect. 99-7 the Boulevard lasted precisely 367 days and three hours before getting blown up, so THAT means less than two days after we begin the blog portion of BroadcastKC.com, we have our first format change to report.
Today's 99-7 Kiss-FM launch marks something of a strategy change for Entercom, who over the past few years has worked to maintain a strong portfolio of male-oriented rock stations with KQRC, KRBZ, and KYYS/KBLV. After being unable to overtake 101 the Fox in the classic rock arena since divesting that station about a decade ago, Entercom's "rock wall" is broken and their sights are set clearly on Mix 93.3. With Kelly Urich's recent departure from KMXV and the subsuquent launch of KCRadio.com, the timing seems ideal to launch an assult on the incumbent CHR. The female-oriented Kiss-FM clearly hopes to capitalize on the name recognition of one Ryan Seacrest in a head-to-head battle with new Mix late afternoon host Dave-O, as well as hold on to older listeners round the clock with what they've termed an "adult top 40" lean.
Listening tonight one could hear such tracks as "Our Lips are Sealed" by The Go-Gos and Bush's "Comedown" alongside standard CHR fare, so the playlist does seem to be starting out with at least a few surprises. Some initial questions to consider as the station develop rest with the talent and promotion of the station. 99-7 the Boulevard seemed to lack the strong presence and awareness that previous occupants of the dial position (like KY and Lite 99.7) always maintained, perhaps due in part to their lighter airstaff load, with only Mo & Jennifer on the air each day. Kiss-FM will start out with well-known morning and afternoon talents out of the gate, but due to the syndicated nature of their programming will have to work hard to gain awareness in the community. The ability of behind the scenes staffers to execute, and elipse the shadow of Mix 93.3 could have a big impact on the station's growth prospects over the coming months. A live and local midday personality would obviously be a help as well, but for the time being that position will remain jockless. A second question, and potentially interesting situation to observe rests in the night shift, as Entercom's syndicated "Your Time with Kim Iverson" seeks to fill a niche between the younger-geared Steve Serrano on Mix and heavier female-oriented fare on KUDL and Star 102. It will certainly be worth watching to see if Iverson can connect with a local audience, and do so in a time slot that more and more often is finding itself stripped of talent in the name of budget cuts and downsizing. Can a Kansas City station survive (and thrive) on syndicated talent and the music alone? We're about to find out.
Some listeners today have reported trouble with the station's audio, but here at BroadcastKC we've yet to run into any significant issues, though most of our listening has been done online. That said, it WAS interesting to hear what is probably a mistake as liners that were running tonight gave the phone number as "567-7997," inverting the common "576" prefix. That audio, as well as a few other liners (including a KBLV legal ID) that ran tonight are posted below. Thanks for reading, and if you'd like to share your thoughts or feedback, don't hesitate to contact us.
99-7 Kiss-FM First Night Liners - Includes KBLV Legal ID & Inverted Station Phone #
Two days after their one year anniversary Entercom's adult rock experiment, 99-7 the Boulevard, is no more. As of 3PM today the station has taken on the popular "Kiss-FM" branding and replaced their lineup of rock-based artists like Dave Matthews Band and Tom Petty with the pop sounds of David Cook and Rhianna. OUT are the KBLV calls, replaced with KKSN, and Boulevard staffers Mo Lewis and Jennifer Simon are presumed gone as well. John Cook replaces PD Bob Edwards (who in turn replaced Greg Bergen after budget cuts in the fall), while also taking the programming reins at country 106-5 the Wolf from newly-departed Michael Cruise.
The airstaff is actually smaller than the old, as the station will initially include only syndicated programming - Kidd Kraddick mornings, Ryan Seacrest afternoons, and (according to AllAccess) Entercommer Kim Iverson at night. Click over to www.997theboulevard.com for a link to listen live, and keep watching BroadcastKC for more updates.
How better to start the blogging and audio posting of this KC media history site, than with a notable anniversary?
The KYYS calls were, and still are, legendary. The stories of KY-102 are countless, the achievements numerous, and the personalities top-notch. The station spawned a Rock & Roll Army, led a car burial at Worlds of Fun, created Nightrocker cards and All-Night Blowouts, and saw their leader and architect inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But we're not celebrating KY-102 tonight. No, today marks one year since the demise of the final KY torch-bearer, 99-7KY.
Listener protests (and Entercom's ownership of dual AC outlets) brought 99-7KY to life in October 1997. I was a kid then, and though I listened to alot of radio, never knew the greatness and history of KY-102 until it was gone. After hearing that the station would be coming to 99.7FM, I set up my stereo to record it all to cassette, not knowing it would be the first in a series of KC airchecks I've recorded (and will continue recording) throughout my lifetime. I was hooked from the moment the intro played, talking about the legendary Max Floyd... bringing the station back to life... saving listeners from being "stuck between a rock and a soft place." Then, there was "Back in Black." And Max, Tanna, and Moffitt. And Doug. Marty Wall. The awesome set of liners where each jock was introduced as "Kansas City's Own" gave me goosebumps. And throughout that day and week I heard over those airwaves from others that same feeling of attachment and comfort that beloved radio stations and jocks had begun giving me. I found myself hooked on the station, and COMPLETELY hooked on radio. 99-7KY is one of those inspirations that actually helped cause this site to come about.
Some who were around in the glory days of KY-102 never believed that the station should have been resurrected in the first place, but as someone who was so inspired by it, I disagree. Each radio station is only as meaningful and inspiring, as vital and memorable, as we make it in our own minds. So whether your fondest radio memories are of 99-7KY, or KXXR, B-95 or e105, or any other KC station, we'll give you a place to remember, relive, and share them as our site continues to develop in the coming weeks. For now though, let's have a drink (mine, somewhat ironically, was a Boulevard) in honor of the final home of the Hippo, and Kansas City's Original Rock Station, 99-7KY.
