Clear Channel Takes Top Three

by Talk Business & Politics ([email protected]) 85 views 

San Antonio-based Clear Channel Communications’ KEZA-FM, “Magic” 107.9 took back its No. 3 slot in the market according to the recently released Arbitron fall 2007 ratings. In the spring, the station had lost the No. 3 slot to KBVA-FM, “Variety” 106.5, which plays mostly light pop and standards like Frank Sinatra and Kenny Rogers. KEZA’s format is adult contemporary.

During the rating period, KEZA’s morning talent lineup changed and the replacements were replaced again on Feb. 6 by Jennifer Irwin and Guy Westmoland. Irwin had been morning show host on competing station KYNF-FM, 94.9 owned by Cumulus Broadcasting Inc., for more than two years. Irwin is also the social editor for Celebrate magazine.

Trish Nelsen, a longtime area broadcaster who used to work at KEZA, filled Irwin’s spot at KYNF.

Mike DeMarco, general manager of Cumulus in Fayetteville, said the station is in negotiations with a new program director for KYNF and said the group has big plans for the station, which ranked as the No. 15 station in Northwest Arkansas.

Cumulus operates seven stations in Fayetteville, five of which made the top 10 commercial stations.