Joseph Goldade’s RadioDifferently LLC launched broad Classic Hits “K-Hits 106” 106.9 KHTZ Minot ND this morning.
Goldade, who will host mornings, and Music Director/afternoon host Tom Schrader, were both television meteorologists in Minot along with previous radio stints. Because of that, weather coverage will be a defining part of the station with they and two other staff meteorologists providing coverage of severe weather. Schrader’s “Hey Tom Is On” Facebook live coverage will be integrated into the station.
RadioDifferently purchased the former Christian AC “106.9 The Heart” KHRT-FM in December from Roy Leavitt’s Faith Broadcasting Inc. for $240,000. Leavitt had taken KHRT-FM silent last July for financial reasons.
Goldade launched the new identity at 8am this morning following a tribute to KHRT with Michael W Smith’s “Place In This World”.
The first five songs heard on the new format were: Rolling Stones “Start Me Up”, Mariah Carey “Fantasy”, The Jacksons “Blame It On The Boogie”, The Four Tops “I Can’t Help Myself” and Brooks & Dunn “My Maria”.
The Dakotan reports that the station plans to donate an HD subchannel to local groups to broadcast events including high school sports and city council meetings while keeping any associated revenue they produce.
Brandon Charles
These format labels these days are interesting, because what separates something from being an adult hits station versus a classic hits station. Perhaps new new titles, even that monitor the first five reminds me of Bob FM Pittsburgh. It’s cool to see stories like this were local media people try their hand at running a small town radio station. Much of commercial radio has lost its heart due to the economic downturn, so it’s cool to see some enthusiasm and revenue in our market like this.