DJ Jon Williams Returns To NWA Radio Market On ‘The X’

Jon Williams is returning to Northwest Arkansas’ radio airwaves, effective Sept. 14.

Williams, long known for his avid base of listeners – the Loyal and Royal Army – most recently worked with broadcast partner Derek “Deek” Kastner for Vertical Media Group LLC. That venture fell flat, however, and now Williams is returning to the format that made him practically a household name in many parts of Northwest Arkansas.

Williams’ will be on the air weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on KXNA 104.9 FM, more popularly known as “The X.” He will maintain the station’s new-rock format, though his rotation will include a healthy dose of “classic alternative like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers … alternative music for people from 18 to 49.”

“It’s going to be the same show I’ve been doing for 18 years, which is heavily caller-driven,” Williams added.

KXNA is owned by Butler Broadcasting Co. LLC, but Williams said he’ll have independent ownership of his show and handle all advertising and sponsorship responsibilities. He will pay Butler Broadcasting an undisclosed percentage of the revenue.

“I’m not just a radio guy anymore,” Williams said. “I’m a businessman now.”

That doesn’t mean Williams won’t maintain some of the irreverence that established him as a fan favorite in Northwest Arkansas. He said his new show will contain many of the same phone pranks, stunts and parodies he’s done in the past.

“It’s an adult interactive morning show,” Williams said, “and I mean that in the best way possible. I do a show I wouldn’t be afraid to have my 10-year-old listen to.”

Williams, who also previously worked for KIGL 93.3 FM and KKEG 92.1 FM, said he’ll have regular appearances by Dudley Dawson of Hawgs Illustrated, local news anchors, coaches and politicians. Williams said he has more than 10,000 followers between his personal and Loyal and Royal Facebook pages, and his Twitter account.

Williams also stressed he will continue to emcee 25 to 30 charity and community events per year.