Following the end of the Johnny Dare Morning Show after 32 years as part of Audacy’s March cuts, Rock “98.9 The Rock” KQRC Leavenworth KS/Kansas City MO is revamping its lineup and rolling out a new logo.
The station will move “The Church of Lazlo” featuring Lazlo and Slimfast from afternoons to mornings from 6-10am. Soctt ‘Lazlo’ Geiger joined then Alternative “96.5 The Buzz” KRBZ in 2002 as evening host before quickly rising to Program Director and afternoon host. Outside of a stretch from 2006 to 2008 where the show was based at “107.7 The End” KNDD Seattle and syndicated back to Kansas City, he has been based in Kansas City since then. The show would be syndicated to Audacy Alternative stations in Dallas, Detroit and Las Vegas from 2020 to 2022. The show moved to KQRC last August when KRBZ flipped to Sports “96.5 The Fan” KFNZ-FM.
Ryan Westward remains in middays, while the station adds “Bayou 95.7” WKBU New Orleans morning host Ashley O to host afternoons. She has hosted “The Best Damn Morning Show” since April 2024 after previously hosting middays and serves as Audacy’s Regional Promotions Manager. She previously spent six years at Cumulus New Orleans from 2014-20 starting in sales before moving to promotions and then Music Director/afternoon host at Alternative “Alt 92.3” WZRH. She also tracked at WRQQ Baton Rouge and WHHZ Gainesville FL after beginning her radio career in sales at Delta Media Lafayette.
SVP/Market Manager Roxanne Marati said, “The legacy of 98.9 The Rock is marked by the brand’s commitment to bringing rock music to the Kansas City community and having top-tier talent who connect with loyal listeners and passionate fans. This revamp is an exciting evolution for the brand.”
Lazlo commented, “We’ve been on the air for 20 years, and to take over the morning drive with such a legacy is surrea. Our fans are the reason we’re here. Nothing is off-limits, so tune in to join the conversation.”
Ashley O said, “I’m pumped to join the team at The Rock, speaking to the ‘Heart of America’ for the first time in my radio life! I can’t wait to bring my charisma and limitless mindset to a city as lively and welcoming as Kansas City. The food is awesome, the people are ridiculously friendly and their sports teams don’t suck.”
