Bravo Mic Communications Active Rock “99.5 The Rocket” KXPZ Las Cruces, NM will move its programming online on Tuesday, September 2.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the existing staff will remain with the company. APD/MD Lyndsey Kalson explained the move stating, “Technically, rock stations have never been money makers. We had the most fun, but didn’t make the most money. Classic rock does all right, but listeners want the new rock — Escape the Fate, Royal Blood, Five-Finger Death Punch.” The station’s programming will be located at TheRocketOnline.com.
The move will enable the company to launch Country “Zia Country 99.5“. The new format positions the station against Adams Radio Group’s “Your Country 103.9” KGRT-FM. The Zia name comes from the Native American tribe whose Sun symbol is on the New Mexico state flag.
KXPZ registered a 2.7 share in the Spring 2014 Nielsen Audio ratings. KGRT-FM was second in the market with a 10.0 share, but closing in on KXPZ sister Classic Hits “101 Gold” 101.1 KVLC for the market lead.
