Radio Personalities Reunite as Part of New Media Group

by Talk Business & Politics ([email protected]) 65 views 

Jon and Deek’s reunion tour starts Feb. 14. Both they and their new backers, Vertical Media Group LLC, hope it proves to be a long-running act.

“This is the biggest day of our career,” said Jon Williams, half of ‘The Jon and Deek Show’ that aired on KIGL 93.3 FM from 2005-2009.

“We have big plans and we’re happy to be partnered with people that have big plans, too.”

Williams and Derek “Deek” Kastner now will host “The Jon and Deek Show and Vertical Radio.”

It will air on six stations scattered throughout Northwest Arkansas beginning the second Monday in February. All of the stations are part of the The Hog Sports Radio Network, and Williams said aggressive expansion plans also are under way.

Friday’s announcement was made in front of a small but enthusiastic crowd at Pinnacle Promenade in Rogers. Much of it centered on the format, which Williams said will be true to the pair’s old show in spirit while shifting to a sports-heavy content load.

Williams said about 50 percent of the show will be sports talk.

That will include a heavy dose of all things Arkansas Razorback, in addition to coverage of local high schools and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

The remaining portion of the program will be a reflection of Vertical’s bi-monthly magazine. Its content is described in a news release as “male-oriented .. lifestyle, outdoors, sports, technology and business.”

“Everything in the magazine is going to find its way onto the show and everything on the show is going to find its way into the magazine,” Williams said.

The show will be streamed online at both entities’ websites. The Hog also recently added industry vet Dave Barr as its new program director.

Kastner summed up the attitude of the new venture by citing a quote made by Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino following the Razorbacks’ win over LSU last season.

“We’re not coming to paint,” Kastner said. “We’re here to win.”