Bill Virgin's Radio Beat October 5, 2006

[radiofan]

Thursday, October 5, 2006

On Radio: New transmitter will broadcast KZIZ full time and into Seattle

By BILL VIRGIN
P-I REPORTER

Seattle-based Kris Bennett Broadcasting may soon be adding to its portfolio of radio stations in this region without actually acquiring one.

KZIZ-AM (1560) is one of three Seattle-area stations operated by the Bennett group, owned by an African American family. Its primary audience is the region's black community and its format is gospel and inspirational music.

But the station has been limited to daytime transmission.

That could change as early as next month when KZIZ begins broadcasting from a new transmitter in the Sumner area. Not only will the station be able to broadcast at night, "It's a great signal for us into Seattle," says company chairman Chris Bennett.

Bennett and the city of Sumner had been working to find a new location for KZIZ's antenna after complaints about interference from residents of a new residential development near the station's former transmitter site. The Federal Communications Commission has granted KZIZ permission to go to 24-hour operation and testing is being completed.

Once KZIZ goes to full-time operation, that could mean some shuffling in the formats of all three Bennett stations, although it hasn't been determined what might move where. Currently KRIZ-AM (1420) features classic soul and R&B music, while KYIZ-AM (1620) has what Bennett describes as "urban mainstream.

All three stations include talk in the mix. "Community Potpourri," hosted by Barbara Laners and one of the longest-running local talk shows, airs on all three stations 7-8 a.m. weekdays. Nationally syndicated shows hosted by Michael Eric Dyson (8-10 a.m. weekdays) and Al Sharpton (10 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays) are simulcast on KRIZ and KZIZ, although Bennett says that with the improved signal for KZIZ that won't be necessary. Another national talk show, hosted by Tom Joyner, airs on KYIZ 3-7 a.m. weekdays.

The three stations are part of a larger media company that includes the Seattle Medium, Tacoma True Citizen and Portland Medium newspapers, as well as a Portland AM station.

In other radio notes:



Don Riggs' guests on "Introspect Northwest" at 7 a.m. Saturday on KPTK-AM (1090) and 7 a.m. Sunday on KMPS-FM (94.1) include Chris Mooney, author of "The Republican War on Science."


Christopher Blue and Head Like a Kite perform on "Audioasis" live from the High Dive in Fremont at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on KEXP-FM (90.3).


The group Deadmen performs on "Sonarchy" at midnight Saturday on KEXP-FM (90.3).


Lizz Sommars' guests on "Conversations" at 6 a.m. Sunday on KISW-FM (99.9), KBSG-FM (97.3) and KKWF-FM (100.7) include Ken Jennings, author of "Brainiac."

P-I reporter Bill Virgin can be reached at 206-448-8319 or billvirgin@seattlepi.com.

Bill Virgin's Radio Beat in the Seattle P-I