Update 5/22: Larry H. Miller Communications has finalized its purchase of 1280 KZNS and 97.5 KZNS-FM for $3.25 Million and will begin operating both stations on Wednesday, May 23.
“1280 The Zone” KZNS will assume 1320 KFAN’s lineup. David James & Patrick Kinahan in mornings from 6-10am, Jim Rome from 10am-1pm, Scott Garrard and Jake Scott 1-3pm, Spence Checketts and Gordon Monson 3-6pm, Inside The Outdoors with Steve Brown from 6-7pm, and Fox Sports Radio at night.
97.5 KZNS-FM will break its simulcast of 1280 to become “Fox Sports 97.5“. The station will carry “Fox Sports Daybreak” from 6-10am on a two hour delay. A local show hosted by Jake Scott and Tony Parks will follow from 10am to 1pm followed by a replay of Jim Rome from 1-4pm and then Fox Sports Radio’s national feed from 4pm to 6am. Both stations will simulcast Utah Jazz basketball, while 97.5 will also carry Salt Lake Bees baseball.
1320 KFNZ will simulcast 1280 until May 31 when its operations will return back to Cumulus Media. Former KZNS morning co-host Hans Olson will jump to “ESPN 700” KALL to co-host afternoons starting June 4.
Original Report 5/16: The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the Larry H. Miller Group has acquired Sports “97.5 The Zone” 1280 KZNS/97.5 KZNS-FM Salt Lake City from the SLC Divestiture Trust I.
Miller, owner of the NBA Utah Jazz, currently LMA’s Sports “1320 K-FAN” KFNZ from Cumulus though the Tribune reports that lease will expire at the end of this month. As part of the deal, programming from both stations will be combined on 1280/97.5 though no deals have been finalized. KZNS will become the Jazz’ flagship station. An LMA will start immediately along with a lease of 960 KOVO Provo from Simmons Media to continue simulcasting the The Zone.
The Larry H. Miller Group also operates KJZZ-TV in Salt Lake City. The SLC Divestiture Trust I was one of two trusts setup following the merger of Simmons Media and Millcreek Broadcasting. It still retains Variety Hits “103.1 Jack-FM” KJQN Coalville, 103.9 KUDE Nephi, 105.1 KAUU Manti, 105.3 KDWY Diamondville WY to be sold off.
