PARKER: Dizzying changes in Denver radio

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Is Denver going through a radio daze? Yes, if you listen to Sassy, Martini on the Rockies, KOOL 105 or The Wolf.

On Feb. 4, Sassy (KSYY-FM 107.1) tossed its old female- friendly format and DJs and changed to One FM, rhythmic pop, featuring artists such as Rob Thomas, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and Rihanna, in order to appeal to a younger demographic.

And Martini (KTNI- FM 101.5), which plays standards from singers including Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Tony Bennett, is next, according to Steve Keeney, president and general manager of Denver Radio Co., owner of both stations.

The company filed bankruptcy last year but expects to emerge from Chapter 11 at the end of the year.

"We felt the place to go was a little bit younger," Keeney said about both format changes. "That's where better revenue opportunities are."

Meanwhile, over at CBS radio, parent company of KOOL 105 (105.1-FM) and The Wolf (92.5-FM) has made so many DJ changes that you'll need to sharpen your No. 2 pencil.

Ready? Here goes: The Wolf morning show jocks Giff and Murphy have been replaced by former afternoon drive team of Jonathan Wilde and Tracy Taylor.

Bo Reynolds, former midday DJ on The Wolf, has moved to Dan Mitchell's old spot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on KOOL. Mitchell was let go. Mike Howell has moved from nights to afternoon drive time on The Wolf, and Leeann Sommers sits in the midday slot on The Wolf.

"One of the things you need to do to succeed as a radio station is have a big morning show," said CBS Radio spokesman Bill Gamble. "Jonathan and Tracy have been in the market for a long time."

Back at Sassy, one of my favorite people in the world, radio personality Gloria Neal, is out of a job after nearly two years at the startup station. She may be out, but she's not down.

"Even though the station goes away, my reputation and work ethic is beyond reproach," she said. "I have put a lot of sweat equity into the community, not just radio." You can keep up with her at gloneal.com.

COMEDY CLUB: This month's Top Secret act at Comedy Works is Carlos Mencia, star of Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Go to comedyworks.com and join the club for advance ticket info.

PARR PARTY: East High School senior Katy Parr, the lone survivor of a car accident that killed her parents and sister, turns 18 on Saturday, and her Denver friends will celebrate during a fundraiser beginning at 11 a.m. at Neighborhood Flix Cinema & Cafe, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.

Half of each $10 ticket sold (choose between Kite Runner at 11:30 a.m. or The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at 11:45 a.m.) will go to Katy's trip fund to travel with other students to Israel and the region this summer as part of the Student Interfaith Peace Project.

Katy won't be attending the party, but there will be cards for her that well-wishers can sign. More info: Celeste Archer at 303-399-0479.

EAVESDROPPING on a man at The Cable Center: "There should be a bumper sticker that says, 'I'd rather be exposed to a Democrat than kicked by a Republican.' "

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMoun tainNews.com.