Change Has Been The Normal For Local Radio Station
KBOE/KMZN Radio in Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Change is difficult at times, and it often comes with tough decisions about how things have been done, but it also comes with many great new opportunities.
At KBOE/KMZN in Oskaloosa, change has been the name of the game after General Manager Rick Watts took the helm in mid-2016.
Many are aware of the ‘Round Guy’ landing in Oskaloosa and signing on at KBOE to be the next on-air morning show host. Mornings may still be much the same over on KMZN as they had been at KBOE, as long-time host Bob Allen moves to that morning show, allowing the two sister stations to better shine as they develop their own identities.
“I think they are both going to be awesome morning shows”, says Rick Watts, General Manager of KBOE/KMZN. Watts praised Allen’s morning show, calling it “very much appreciated and has been quality programming for years.”
Conversations took place about KBOE and KMZN after Watts arrived to Oskaloosa. Those conversations included listeners, where it was determined that KMZN would be better served with more local programming over nationally syndicated programming, which it currently broadcasts.
“After a lot of talks, we have determined that we’re going to go back to a locally programmed format on KMZN. We’re going to offer a different kind of music,” said Watts.
Different music formats were looked at but ultimately an oldies/classic hits hybrid music format will hit the airwaves the first part of the year on KMZN. Local news and weather and sports will be there as well.
Local sporting events involving the teams like the Indians will be found on KMZN, while the Hawkeyes and ‘Game of the Week’ will remain on KBOE.
Those moves in programming demonstrate how each station will serve the public in the near future. KBOE will be the regional outlet, while KMZN serves primarily Oskaloosa in a hyperlocal fashion.
Watts said they are ‘more than doubling’ the broadcast power of KMZN-FM in the next 30 days.
“Oskaloosa is well served by KMZN, so the Indians sports programming will continue to be on KMZN as it has been when we split off the AM from the FM in July of 2015,” said Watts.
The local programming that currently is on KBOE will find its way shortly to KMZN. KBOE will become more music-centric in its programming.
Both stations are available live on the internet, available with listen live buttons found on the website, as well as apps for mobile devices.
