Cumulus’ heritage Country station KIIM-FM is getting some competition in Arizona’s second-largest market: Clear Channel is rolling out its own Country station “Wild Country 97.1” at noon 2/15, replacing talker KNST-FM.
Wild Country 97.1 FM kicks off with 10,000 contemporary country songs in a row with no commercials. Listeners hear newest tracks from hit Country artists such as Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, The Zac Brown Band and Carrie Underwood. Joining the weekday morning programming lineup on March 18, 2013, The Bobby Bones Show will feature on-air personalities Bobby Bones, Lunchbox and Amy, with special guest appearances from the biggest names in Country music. The morning show will also entertain Tucson listeners with a unique mix of pop-culture, news and crazy stunts.
“Wild Country provides an amazing opportunity to the Tucson community by offering a wider variety of music and entertainment,” said Glynn Alan, Market Manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Tucson. “We couldn’t be more excited to connect Tucson Country fans with hot Country artists’ newest tracks – now they’ll have a station to call home and go Wild!”
This is Clear Channel’s second foray into the country music market in recent years, reported The Arizona Star. In 2001, it moved its KWFM Cool Oldies from 92.9 FM up the dial to 97.1 FM to make way for KOYT 92.9 FM Coyote Country. Two years later, the company pulled the plug and launched a Spanish-language music station.
RBR-TVBR observation: Another news-talker flips back to music. What a trend: First it was Clear Channel’s KOGO-FM San Diego, then Greater Media’s WTKK-FM Boston and now KNST. Like KOGO, KNST keeps its AM signal.
