A few days ago, I tweeted about “Simply Beautiful” 91.3 KNCT-FM Killeen, Texas, a non-commercial station operated by Central Texas University; KNCT continues to program the Easy Listening format that dominated many markets in the ‘70s and ‘80s. I had stumbled on to KNCT as a result of a follow from PD Gary Emmert. Relatively quickly, the feedback came in from followers and Ross On Radio readers.
“A hidden gem that’s shown up with as much as a three share in [nearby] Austin,” noted Radioinsight ratings expert Chris Huff. (The station also serves the nearby Waco market.)
“Oh God yes. I ride hard for that station,” said reader Thomas Inskeep. “Perfection in Easy Listening.”
“Thanks for posting. Listened for the first time last night. Hearing Percy Faith’s version of ‘Popsicles and Icicles’ for the first time in years. Great station,” wrote John Hall.
One reader, a radio person who recently changed careers, wrote that he always wanted to host a love songs show. “Let’s make that wish come true,” replied Emmert, before that conversation moved to DM.
“The distance between Beautiful Music and Triple-A isn’t as great as one might think,” suggested reader Mark Roberts, citing stations that transitioned from the former to the latter like KFOG San Francisco.
Later, Emmert joined the tweet thread. “Best job in the world!” he wrote. He came to KNCT after a 21-year military career and eight years stationed at Fort Hood, “literally across the street from the radio station.”
ROR readers have been enthusiastic about the resurgence of ‘80s-based Soft AC and ‘70s-based Soft Oldies formats over the past few years. The interest in instrumental-driven Easy Listening isn’t that far afield. And it’s certainly a format that resonates in stressful times.
KNCT’s regular format is roughly 2/3 instrumental; 1/3 vocal. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., it is all instrumentals. Weekend special programming includes “Sock Hop Saturday Night” with ’50s/’60s oldies and big band music on Sunday afternoon. The station will go all-Christmas, but not until the last two weeks of December.
Emmert says much of the library comes from previous syndicator Jones, but has been augmented by “tons of [submissions] from independent artists. You would be surprised at the number of songs in our rotation that were sent from someone’s grandma or mother.”
Here’s KNCT on the early evening of November 2, 2020, playing a mix that was about 1/3 instrumental:
- Nick Ingram, “Sloop John B”
- Andy Williams, “Born Free”
- Tony Bennett & Michael Bublé, “Just In Time” (the two MOR vocals were separated by AP News at :00).
- Paul Keogh, “Ben”
- John Fox, “Shanghai Breezes”
- Carole King, “So Far Away”
- Rodrigo, “Concerto De Aranjuez”
- Ray Kelley Band, “That’s All It Takes”
- Frank Sinatra, “Night And Day”
- Percy Faith, “Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)”
- Jim Pierce, “Love The World Away”
- Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne, “Love Power”
- John Roberto, “Cavatina”
- Koinonia, “Easy Morning”
- Olivia Newton-John, “Reach Out For Me”
- Mantovani, “Deep Purple”
As a college-operated non-comm, KNCT relies on listener donations. If you’re enjoying KNCT as a result of this story, or you’re already one of its industry fans, Emmert would appreciate your support.
Reminds me of KAHM-FM 102.1 (brands as “Calm”) in Prescott, AZ. They used to stream, but in 2015 they discontinued it in favor of a paid stream in 2016.