Audacy Launches Front Range Country 103.1 with Super Hi-Fi

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 31, 2024

KQKS-FM-HD2/Denver

Audacy has launched its first FM broadcast station with Super Hi-Fi, an AI-powered radio service for broadcast and digital media companies. Starting Thursday, Audacy will power KQKS-HD2 (Front Range Country 103.1) in Denver with Super Hi-Fi's AI powered platform and toolset, including its Program Director Radio Operating System.

Audacy launched Front Range Country 103.1 in March, 2023. The new station features over three decades of Country music, centered on hits from artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Shania Twain, Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood and others, while also including modern artists like Zac Brown, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Blake Shelton.

The integration is a full cloud-first technology approach that dramatically reduces the total operational cost and complexity associated with traditional platforms. Additionally, this launch includes a move to a fully transmitter-based playout structure, underpinned by the Orban 5950 Super Hi-Fi Edition that recently won numerous awards at NAB Las Vegas.

Audacy says that the combination of cloud-based AI radio tools, along with transmitter-based reception and playout, demonstrates how the next step in radio operations will be simpler and easier to manage, with significantly lower costs across the operations chain.

"As we continue to leverage new technology to enhance our portfolio and content, we're excited to take this next step in our partnership with Super Hi-Fi and implement their capabilities for Front Range Country 103.1," said Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano. "Together, we'll optimize human-led programming and production efforts to better serve station listeners and partners."

The FM station will utilize Super Hi-Fi's array of AI technologies and tools, including its AI powered production, scheduling, voicetrack mastering and audio preparation capabilities. Audacy's team will also use Super Hi-Fi's cloud-based Program Director to manage the music curation, content, ads, scheduling, voice tracking and station playout tasks, all available to use from any laptop, anywhere in the world.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment," said Super Hi-Fi CEO Zack Zalon. "With this partnership, we are using cutting-edge innovation to help drive the entire industry forward. All with a goal of continuing radio's legacy as the premier listening experience, just with much less complexity and much more efficiency."