KAZR is an FM radio station licensed to Pella, Iowa, with studios in Des Moines, Iowa. It is part of the Des Moines Radio Group, along with KPSZ, KRNT, KIOA, KLTI-FM, and KSTZ.

History

The station signed on as KPLL in 1976. The call letters changed to KXJX in 1980, KFMD in 1986, and KDMG in 1988. KDMG, owned by Beta Broadcasting, had a "gold" format until 1989 and then followed various "classic oldies" formats until late-1990. From January 1991 to April 1992, KDMG followed a AAA (adult alternative) "Where The Music Comes First" format similar to WXRT in Chicago or KBCO in Boulder before becoming KFMG in 1992. Nighttimes during the era of 1990-1996, 103.3 tended to be harder-edged, following an alternative/modern rock/new rock format. KFMG's format consisted of modern/alternative rock, blues, and variety shows such as "The Grateful Dead Hour". Its owner and program director, Ron Sorenson, had previously operated a station with those call letters on 94.9 FM (now KGGO) in the early 1970s. KFMG became KAZR in August 1996 after Sorenson sold the station to Saga Communications. (The KFMG call letters were resurrected on a new low-power FM station at 99.1 FM that signed on February 26, 2007. Sorenson and former Des Moines mayor Preston Daniels are involved with the station.)

Personalities and programming

Current local personalities include Andy Hall, "Moose," and Samantha Knight. The station airs a "Local Licks" program, featuring music from Des Moines-area bands, on Sunday nights.

KAZR carried the syndicated Mancow's Morning Madhouse until March 16, 2007, when station management dropped the show due to a perceived decline in the show's quality.

References

External links

• KAZR Website
• Des Moines Radio Group