Radio Revolution

Tools

By Jared Bray

Story Published: Feb 11, 2010 at 7:56 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 25, 2010 at 4:43 PM MST

BILLINGS – From satellite radio to podcasts, people are finding new ways to listen to music, forcing local radio stations to change with the times.

Not long ago, 105.1 KQBL was an adult hits station known as BILL FM, but since new management took over, its new focus is local and national sports talk. The format change is a trend that can be heard across the airwaves in the Billings area as both AM and FM stations strive to compete with new technology.

"The one thing that's been great about the change over here for sports on 105.1 is the ability to reach out to the passionate sports fans in Billings because there hasn't been anything like it, there's never been anything like it," said Nate Brown, KQBL sports director.

The radio revolution isn't just forcing stations to change formats, but also the way they broadcast their shows.

"I see a bigger focus on live and local radio," said Brown.

Billings' Sports Station isn't the only one on the dial that's getting away from pre-recorded play lists. There's a new station coming, MOJO 92.5, that returns to a live format designed to grab listeners' attention.

"We're going to program the station based on live people," said Kurt Anthony, MOJO 92.5 co-owner. "It's going to be a live radio station. It's going to have newscasts, sports, and a 3-person live morning show."

But that's not all. Anthony says even the studios will be different.

"They're going to be on 24th and King in the City Brew coffee location. We're putting in glass, so it's going to kind of be a 'Good Morning America' thing, so people can just drop in and talk on the radio if they want to."

Like Brown and Anthony, nearly everyone involved in local radio says as long as technology develops, stations will continue to change their tune to keep their audience dialed in.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 2:07 PM

It's do good to have all the guys (and gals) back on the air. Takes me back to high school days and after. Good choice!

G-Slice said on Monday, Mar 8 at 8:49 AM

Very cool about the new station, I am a bit below their target age demographic- but when I called to request a song they put me on the radio right away, live for sure!~

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