KNIX-FM

KNIX-FM

City of license	Phoenix, Arizona
Broadcast area	Phoenix, Arizona
Branding	"102.5 KNIX"
Slogan	Arizona's Best Country
Frequency	102.5 (MHz) (also on HD Radio) 102.5 HD-2:Future Country
First air date	1965
Format	Country
ERP	98,000 watts
HAAT	494 meters
Class	C
Facility ID	7698
Callsign meaning	K PhoeNIX
Owner	Clear Channel Communications
Sister stations	KESZ, KFYI, KGME, KMXP, KOY, KYOT, KZZP
Webcast	Listen Live
Website	www.knixcountry.com

KNIX-FM is an FM radio station broadcasting a Country music format. The station is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clear Channel Communications station broadcasts at 102.5 MHz with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 98 kW.

On April 25, 2006, Clear Channel announced that KNIX's HD2 subchannel would carry a format focusing on music from new and up-and-coming Country artists.

KNIX's HD2 channel is now rebroadcasting KFYI, 550 AM digital signal.

History

The station originally signed on the air in 1965 as a Beautiful Music station. In 1968, singer Buck Owens bought the station and its AM sister in separate transactions. The AM station was Country music KTUF and the FM station changed to Progressive Rock in August 1968. In early March 1969, KNIX-FM switched to the Country format and the two stations began simulcast operations. Station Bumper-Stickers proclaimed "K-TUF/KNIX, We Stamped Out 3-Letter Radio". In 1998 Clear Channel acquired the FM from Owens and continues as a Country station.

KNIX led not only the Phoenix radio market, but was considered one of the premier country radio stations in the United States. Under the leadership of General Manager Michael Owens and Programming/Operations Manager Larry Daniels, KNIX was consistently number one in the Phoenix market. In addition, the station won many prestigious awards including honors from the Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music, Billboard Magazine, and the Marconi Award for excellence in broadcasting.

• Footnote: Beginning as early as 1988 KNIX began receiving awards on the National Level from a host of recognized sources. See the station's [webpage][1] for a complete list.

• Footnote: KNIX Originally signed on the air on December 25,1961. Its owners John & Donna Karshner also served as On Air Staff and programmers. Their son John P Karshner II became one of the youngest DJ's in America at age 16. Source 1963 Broadcasting Yearbook

On-air staff

The current lineup (as of December 2010) Starting out the day on the morning drive is Ben & Matt with Ben Campbell, Matt McAllister, Carolyn Coffey, Producer Joe Wallace & Jason Christopher (Traffic). Next is Amy Klinger on middays. Holding down the afternoon drive is Billy Michaels. Wrapping up the day is Ty Bentli on nights, and on overnights is the syndicated After Mid-Nite with Blair Garner.

Weekends/fill-ins include Barrel Boy and Garry D. The station's signature voice is John Willyard.

Former staff

• Charlie Ochs (mornings)
• W. Steven Martin (mornings)
• J.D. Freeman (afternoons)
• "Layback" Lenny Roberts (afternoons)
• John Buchannon (evenings then midday, also Music Director)
• [Brian McNeal] ( venings)
• [Buddy Alan] Buddy Alan (Music Dir. - midday)
• George King
• Steve Harmon
• Jim West
• Steve Wood
• Bill Kramer
• Brian Kelly
• John Michaels
• RJ Curtis
• Susan Geary
• Bobby Lewis
• Steve Goddard
• Tim & Willy (mornings)
• Dick Leighton (traffic)
• Bill Denny (sports)
• Larry Clark (news)
• Mary Ganier (news)
• Stephan Kaufman (news)
• Marti McNeil (news)
• Gwen Foster
• Scott Fisher
• Russ Knight
• Larry Daniels (midday)
• Red Skyler
• Bobby Butler
• Mike Scott (afternoon drive & Music Director)
• Camille Wood (traffic & voice work)

External links

• KNIX official website
• Query the FCC's FM station database for KNIX
• Radio-Locator information on KNIX
• Query Arbitron's FM station database for KNIX