Update 2/14: K273BZ signed-on today with All-Comedy as “Funny 102.5“.

We did assume a little too much with the idea of Chris Baker’s involvement (which is why we try to stick to fact based domain reporting as opposed to general rumors) as he has instead returned to Houston to host afternoons at 700 KSEV.

The Press Release From Cumulus:

What happened when the chicken crossed the road at 10:25 AM in Kansas City today? Something pretty darn funny! An all-comedy commercial radio station hatched at 102.5 FM. Both the 102.5 dial position and this exclusive FM radio format are new to Kansas City.

FUNNY 102.5 features continuous stand-up comedy from the likes of Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Dane Cook, Wanda Sykes, Jeff Foxworthy and many others. You’ll hear classic stand-up and funny stuff on FUNNY 102 from the current kings and queens of comedy.
Cumulus Media Operations Manager Chris Hoffman said…“Cumulus delivered one big Funny Valentine to everyone in KC today, the gift of laughter. Pass it on.”

FUNNY 102.5 is part of a national network of comedy stations produced by the 24/7 Comedy Radio Network. In addition to the giants of comedy seen on television and movies, FUNNY 102.5 will feature plenty of laughs from touring comics who visit comedy stages right here in Kansas City.

Donna Baker, Cumulus Media Market Manager adds, “The station is just what the name says….FUNNY. Laughter is the best medicine and we have a daily dose ready for KC, 24/7, right here at 102.5 FM.”

Even though it’s FUNNY, it’s not a joke. FUNNY 102.5 is real.

Original Report 2/4: Cumulus is on the verge of adding a a new FM signal to the Kansas City market. Translator 102.5 K273BZ Bonner Springs, KS will have full coverage of the city and surrounding areas broadcasting with 250 watts at 1152 feet. This will be the second translator launched by Cumulus in Kansas City joining Active Rock “103.7 The Dam” K279BI/KCFX-HD2.

Much like that station launched with an brief stunt as “103.7 The Leprechaun” leading into St. Patrick’s Day it appears a Comedy format will lead into 102.5’s permanent format. The registration of Funny1025.com yesterday indirectly hints at the future format for the station as well.

The All-Comedy format is slowly regaining ground as Clear Channel has launched the format on a pair of AM’s in Riverside, CA and Tucson, AZ. Adding an FM signal in a large market would be a great testing ground for the format’s longevity but this seems more likely to be a stunt leading to the permanent format.

That thought is 102.5 will become an FM simulcast of sister Talk 710 KCMO. Former KCMO afternoon host Chris Baker resigned yesterday from his position as morning host at 100.3 KTLK Minneapolis. Baker happens to also be a stand-up comedian. The KCMO morning show has had an opening since Chris Stigall left for WPHT Philadelphia in December.

Cumulus also operates Oldies 94.9 KCMO-FM, CHR “95.7 The Vibe” KCHZ, Classic Rock “101 The Fox” KCFX, Variety Hits “105.1 Jack-FM” KCJK, and Urban AC “Magic 107.3” KMJK in the Kansas City market.