KIHT/St. Louis Restructures to Offer More Music

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

KIHT-FM (K-Hits 96)/St. Louis announced a major shake-up in its daily programming on Monday. "The Showgram," K-Hits morning talk show, will be discontinued and replaced with an all-music format hosted by market vet Rick Sanborn. Longtime late afternoon personalities Katy Kruze and Carl "The Intern" Middleman are also out.

While J.C. Corcoran will not be on the air, he remains under contract with Emmis until December, 2010. Showgram personalities John Ulett and Laurie Mac will remain in mornings on K-Hits with Rick Sanborn.

"These changes are designed to give our listeners what they want, namely more classic rock, all day, every day," said Senior VP/GM John Beck. "At a time when our industry is suffering due to the economic recession, it is critical that we find ways to boost our ratings. Playing more music in the morning than any other station in the market is one way we feel we can differentiate ourselves and attract even more listeners."

"I have nothing but good things to say about J.C., Katy and Carl," added Beck. JC in particular is a storied and historic personality in St. Louis radio who has done groundbreaking work for years. We will miss him on the air. JC has worked very hard to make this work. Unfortunately, ours is a business driven by ratings, and those ratings indicate that we need to change in order to compete successfully in this environment."

Beck also said that he does not anticipate any further personnel changes in the foreseeable future. "We wish J.C., Katy and Carl all the best and wish them much success wherever their careers may take them next," he said.