K-C Radio: KMBZ To Split Talk-Talk Simulcast

Entercom's KMBZ 980 AM / 98.1 FM has announced that as of Jan. 5, its AM/FM simulcast will end.

Most of KMBZ’s current content will stay on the FM side, with two major exceptions: Darla Jaye’s local show (moving to mornings) and nationally syndicated Rush Limbaugh, both of which will be heard only on AM.

“It’s not a divorce, it’s a conscious uncoupling,” afternoon co-host Dana Wright joked on the air Wednesday.

KMBZ 980 AM 5Kw (DA-Night)

The station at 98.1 FM had for years been KUDL, but when owner Entercom killed the adult-contemporary music station in spring 2011, it started simulcasting KMBZ-AM in KUDL’s spot.

KMBZ-FM will be “all live and all local” from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.

KMBZ 98.1 FM (98.5Kw) 60dBu Coverage

The AM station, which has been broadcasting since the 1920s, will brand as “Talk 980.” Except for Jaye’s morning show, 980’s programming will consist of nationally syndicated fare including conservative talkers Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity.

The 98.1 FM weekday schedule:

• 5a.m.: “Kansas City’s Morning News” with E.J. Becker and Ellen Schenk, which will expand by an hour
• 10 a.m.: “Trend KC with Burns and Monacelli,” a new show that will cover such topics as technology, sports and politics
• 2p.m.: “Dana & Parks,” with Dana Wright and Scott Parks, which stays in its current time slot
• 6p.m: Jonathan Weir’s show, which moves from mid-mornings
• National shows round out the schedule: “Ground Zero” (9 p.m.-midnight), “Coast to Coast” (midnight-4 a.m.) and Gordon Deal (4-5 a.m.).

The 980 AM schedule:

• 5a.m.: Darla Jaye
• 9a.m.: Glenn Beck (to air live; KMBZ has been tape-delaying Beck’s show to run at night)
• 11 a.m: Rush Limbaugh (airing live)
• 2p.m.: Sean Hannity
• 5p.m.: “America Now”
• 8p.m.: Herman Cain
• Overnight: Laura Ingraham (10 p.m.-midnight), “Coast to Coast” (midnight-5 a.m.).