Citadel/Dallas Readies KMPZ for WBAP Simulcast

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

Citadel will flip Oldies KPMZ-FM (Platinum 96.7)/Dallas to a simulcast of co-owned News/Talk WBAP-AM on Monday, March 15. The station went into stunt mode on Friday, switching first to Country as "96.7 The Texas Twister," before becoming "Reagan Radio 96.7" airing former President Ronald Reagan's 1981 inaugural speech.

"As you look at where the bulk of where radio listening takes place in this market and every other market, it's on the FM dial," said WBAP Operation Manager Tyler Cox. "We've certainly done exceptionally well [on AM], but when you look at situations in other markets where AM stations have added FM simulcast partners, it's just greatly increased the reach and audience size of the radio station."

Ron Chapman, the radio vet who developed the KPMZ's playlist, said he was warned by Citadel CEO Farid Suleman that the station might change formats. "Platinum never did not make money," Chapman said. "Platinum always made a little money. It just didn't make enough."