D/FW Radio: iHM Freaks Out, KEGL 97.1 FM Changes Format

KEGL 97.1 The Freak, launched in 2022, has undergone a significant format change. The station, known for its “free-flowing” talk format, is apparently no more. 

Here are the key details:

Format Shift: The station’s owner, iHeartMedia, announced a format change, leading to several firings. The frequency had previously abandoned its identity as The Eagle, which featured heavier rock music, to become 97.1 The Freak.

Legendary Voice Fired: Mike Rhyner (right), a Texas Radio Hall of Famer and co-founder of The Ticket, joined The Freak after coming out of retirement. He hosted the afternoon show called The Speakeasy. Unfortunately, he and the rest of the on-air crew were fired, including Jeff Cavanaugh and Julie Dobbs.

Flip to Rock Programming: The station will revert back to its original rock programming and adopt the Eagle branding once again. This change is set to take place on Monday, April 29.

How It Happened: The Freak aired its usual "The Downbeat" morning show with Danny Balis, Mike Sirois and Kevin Turner from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., then abruptly switched to a simulcast of WTKS-FM Orlando based “The News Junkie” instead of the regularly scheduled "The Ben & Skin Show" with Ben Rogers, Jeff "Skin" Wade, Krystina Ray and Steve Shackleford from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and "The Speakeasy" with Rhyner, Jeff Cavanaugh, Julie Dobbs and Michael "Grubes" Gruber from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.