Desert Valley Media Group’s Phoenix market Rhythmic CHR “Power 98.3” KKFR Mayer/96.1 K241BQ Fort McDowell AZ is launching a new on-air lineup over the next two weeks.
Brand Manager Jonathan ‘J’ Steele and J Alexaa will move from afternoons to mornings from 5-9am starting Tuesday, October 1. Steele commented, “Power is an iconic brand and to get the opportunity to wake up the listeners of the Valley is a dream come true. Alexaa and I are dedicated to entertaining and informing the Hip-Hop listeners in our community. Very grateful to the wonderful folks here for allowing us to execute our vision for what a morning radio show should sound like in Phoenix.” Alexxa added, “When I decided to change careers last year, I would’ve never imagined being given a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a morning show so quickly. The on-air chemistry that J. Steele and I have is undeniable, and we’ve built a strong friendship that runs through our afternoon show. We’re thrilled to bring the same energy to the Valley in morning drive! Content and music is the core of our brand, but it’s more important to us to truly serve our community and we can’t wait to get started!”
Premiere Networks’ “Big Boy’s Neighborhood”, which had been heard in mornings since June, will follow from 9am to 12pm.
Current 10am-3pm host J Philla, who returned to the station as midday host in July, will be teamed with Matt Villa for 12-3pm starting Monday, September 23. Philla has had multiple stints at KKFR over the past two decades including time in mornings as 1/2 of “The Nutz” in the 2000s. Villa is a mixer for the station and Pitbull’s Globalization on SiriusXM.
Current Hot AC “Hot 97.5/103.9” KMVA/KZON morning host Deongello ‘Gello’ Vanorsby will move back to afternoons on KKFR starting Monday, September 30. The move will mark Gello’s third stint at KKFR. He originally worked at the station from 2010 to 2015 with time in nights, afternoons and mornings. After time at 101.1 KNRJ and “105.1 The Bounce” WMGC Detroit, he would return to KKFR first as a remote voicetracker in 2020 before moving back to Phoenix in 2021. He moved to mornings at KMVA/KZON in July 2023.
Premiere Networks’ Bootleg Kev Show will continue to be heard in nights.
Incoming Desert Valley Media Group CEO Michael Cutchall said, “For almost 30 years Power has been the epicenter for all things Hip Hop, Music, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture. It is a proud heritage that continues to engage over the air, on-line, through social media and in the community.”
