Marcos Rodriguez, who owned Christian AC KLTY Dallas from 1987 until 2000, is returning to the format launching new webcaster TurnOnTheLight.com in the image of the former station following its sale to K-Love Inc.
After the first incarnation of 94.9 KLTY operated from August 1985 until September 1986, Rodriguez acquired the station’s music library and relaunched the brand on 94.1 KOJO in 1987. After the call letters were released, KOJO would reclaim the KLTY call letters in 1989 and remain on that frequency through the 1990s. When Rodriguez sold his station holdings in 2000, the KLTY brand would be acquired by Salem and move first to the rimshot 100.7 and a few months later back to its original home on 94.9.
The self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” told HisAir, “What a joy it is to again collaborate with the established talent and beloved on-air personalities who have earned tremendous followings in Dallas-Fort Worth radio. More than ever, local radio thrives on savvy hosts deeply connected to their city and community. The Light’s ensemble cast is instantly recognizable to North Texas listeners, making us sound like we’ve been together for years. That immediate familiarity and warmth feels like listening to a favorite hit record! We got the band back together— 30 of us! We’re all unbelievably excited and energized about this brand new radio station. A void was created last month. With the absence of a commercial, Christian music radio station in the #1 market DFW, we have a huge opportunity and compelling reason for our team to compete with the iHeart stations. Our strategy is to tear down the walls to the CCM format and expand the traditional listener base. Our on air slogan is: ‘Your favorite music of the past and present on the radio station of the future.’ Streaming and digital is the future! This type of friendly competition brings out the best in us and we are ready to deliver to advertisers a highly responsive, conservative audience”
TurnOnTheLight.com will operate as a commercial Christian AC with a full staff including Larry Thompson as Operations Manager and station voice, Don Burns as APD/1-4pm host, and William Ryan as Music Director and Saturday morning host. The rest of the lineup will feature Scott Wilder and Lauren Lintner from 5-9am Central, Tracy Leek 9am-1pm, Linda O’Brien 4-8pm, Laurie Lynn 8pm-12am and Sundays 6-10am, Jonathan Courtney 12-5am, and Ron Taylor weekends 6pm-12am. Jon Rivers, John Frost, and Tommy Kramer will serve as programming and talent advisors.
