KZHT

KZHT

Salt Lake City, Utah
Broadcast area	Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area
Frequency	97.1 MHz (HD Radio)
Branding	97-1 ZHT
Programmierung
Format	Top 40 (CHR)
Affiliations	Premiere Networks
Ownership
Owner	iHeartMedia (iHM Licenses, LLC)
Sister stations	KAAZ-FM, KJMY, KNRS, KNRS-FM, KODJ
History
First air date	February 1, 1961 (1961-02-01) (as KLUB-FM)
Former call signs	KLUB-FM (1961–1968) KWIC (1968–1972) KLUB-FM (1972–1978) KISN (1978–1989) KISN-FM (1989–2004)
Call sign meaning	From former "Hot" format
Technical information
Facility ID	63820
Class	C
ERP	25,000 watts 1,000 watts (booster)
HAAT	1,140 meters (3,740 ft)
Transmitter coordinates	40°39′34″N 112°12′5″W
Links
Webcast	Listen Live
Website	971zht.iheart.com

KZHT (97.1 FM) is a Top 40 (CHR) formatted radio station broadcasting to the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. It is owned by iHeartMedia as one of six radio stations in this market. The station's studios are located in West Valley City and its transmitter site is located southwest of the city on Farnsworth Peak in the Oquirrh Mountains.

Station history

Beautiful music (1961-1998?)

The station signed on in 1961 as KLUB-FM, airing a beautiful music format that was partially simulcasted with KLUB-AM. This format typically featured instrumental versions of popular songs, light orchestral arrangements, and easy listening tracks aimed at providing a soothing and relaxing listening experience. The beautiful music format was popular among adult audiences, particularly in office environments and retail spaces, as it provided a calming backdrop without the distraction of vocals. KLUB-FM's beautiful music programming helped establish its presence in the Salt Lake City radio market, catering to listeners seeking a mellow and unobtrusive sound.

Adult contemporary (1998?-2000)

The station then became KISN "Kissin 97", airing an adult contemporary format. This format included a mix of soft rock, pop hits, and ballads from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, appealing to a broad adult audience. The programming aimed to balance upbeat, feel-good songs with slower, more reflective tracks, creating a versatile and engaging listening experience. The adult contemporary format was designed to attract listeners both at work and at home, making it a popular choice for daytime and evening radio. KISN "Kissin 97" built a loyal listener base by featuring well-known artists, offering less talk and more music, and incorporating popular radio segments such as listener dedications and request hours. This era solidified the station's reputation in the Salt Lake City market as a go-to destination for contemporary hits and classic favorites.

'80s hits (2000–2003)

On November 3, 2000, the station changed to an All-80s Hits format. It retained the "Kissin 97" name and airstaff. This format focused exclusively on music from the 1980s, featuring a wide array of genres such as pop, rock, new wave, and hair metal, appealing to listeners' nostalgia for the decade. The playlist included iconic artists and bands like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Bon Jovi, and Duran Duran, among others, celebrating the era's unique sound and cultural impact.

In 2001, KISN joined at least four other Clear Channel stations in the U.S. in airing "Martha Quinn's Rewind," a program hosted by former MTV VJ Martha Quinn. The show provided listeners with a curated selection of 1980s hits, along with Quinn's personal anecdotes and insights from the decade, enhancing the nostalgic experience. This period marked a distinct shift in KISN's programming strategy, targeting an audience eager to relive the music and memories of the 1980s, and solidifying its niche in the Salt Lake City radio market.

Top 40 (2003–present)

On December 22, 2003, 97.1 became the new home of KZHT and its Top 40 format. This transition marked the station's shift to playing a mix of the most popular and current songs across various genres, including pop, hip-hop, dance, and R&B. The Top 40 format is characterized by its focus on chart-topping hits and mainstream appeal, aiming to attract a diverse audience with the latest and most frequently requested tracks.

The move to 97.1 FM allowed KZHT to reach a broader audience with a stronger signal, while the limited-coverage 94.9 frequency was sold by its owner, Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia). KZHT's Top 40 programming includes popular syndicated shows, countdowns, and engaging segments featuring listener interactions, contests, and celebrity interviews.

By consistently playing the latest hits and featuring prominent artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran, KZHT has maintained its relevance and popularity in the competitive Salt Lake City radio market. The station's dynamic and energetic format continues to draw a loyal and youthful listener base, ensuring its position as a leading source of contemporary music in the region.

Current Ownership

Today, KZHT is one of six radio stations in the Salt Lake City market owned by iHeartMedia, a major player in the broadcasting industry known for its extensive network of stations across the United States. iHeartMedia's ownership provides KZHT with significant resources and support, including access to nationally syndicated shows, advanced broadcasting technology, and comprehensive marketing strategies.

KZHT operates alongside the following sister stations, each catering to different musical tastes and audience demographics:

• 94.1 KODJ: Focuses on classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, appealing to listeners who enjoy nostalgic tunes from past decades.
• My 99.5: Offers a variety of adult contemporary music, providing a mix of current and recent popular hits aimed at a broad adult audience.
• 105.9 KNRS: A news and talk radio station, delivering news updates, talk shows, and political commentary, catering to listeners interested in current events and discussions.
• Rock 106.7: Plays a selection of rock music, from classic rock anthems to contemporary rock hits, targeting rock music enthusiasts.
• Business 99.1: Focuses on business news and financial information, providing valuable insights and updates for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Being part of the iHeartMedia family allows KZHT to collaborate with these sister stations on cross-promotions and community events, enhancing its presence and influence in the Salt Lake City market. This synergy helps KZHT maintain a strong connection with its audience while benefiting from the diverse programming and resources of its parent company.

Programs and Shows

KZHT (97.1 FM) offers a variety of programs that cater to its Top 40 format, featuring both music and talk segments that keep the Salt Lake City metropolitan area entertained and informed.

• E. White & Erica In The Morning: Start your day with a mix of music, news, and lively discussions with E. White and Erica Shea, bringing energy and fun to your morning routine.
• Katie Sommers: Midday tunes and topics with Katie Sommers, who keeps the hits coming and engages listeners with the latest music news.
• AJ: Drive home with AJ, spinning the latest chart-toppers and bringing you up to speed on pop culture happenings.
• Elizabethany: Spend your evenings with Elizabethany, who delivers a blend of hit music and night-time chatter.
• The New Hit List: Discover new music and hear what’s trending on The New Hit List, a show dedicated to the latest hits.
• Kayla: Overnight, Kayla keeps the music going for night owls and early risers.

Community Involvement

KZHT is not just about music; it’s also deeply involved in the community. The station participates in various local events and supports charitable causes, reflecting its commitment to the Salt Lake City area.

• Charity Events: KZHT partners with local charities to support events that benefit the community, from fundraisers to awareness campaigns.
• Local News Coverage: The station provides coverage of local news, ensuring that listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their community.
• Public Service Announcements: KZHT airs public service announcements to educate and inform the public on health, safety, and welfare matters.

Standort

KZHT (97.1 FM) is a Top 40 (CHR) formatted radio station serving the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Owned by iHeartMedia, it is part of a family of six stations in the market.

Studios

KZHT's studios are situated in West Valley City, providing a central location for operations and broadcasting to the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. This location allows the station to effectively engage with its urban and suburban audience.

Transmitter

The transmitter for KZHT is located southwest of Salt Lake City on Farnsworth Peak in the Oquirrh Mountains. This strategic placement ensures a broad and clear broadcast reach across the metropolitan area, encompassing a diverse listener base from various parts of the region.

External links

• KZHT official website
• Facility details for Facility ID KZHT ({{{2}}}) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
• {{{2}}} in Nielsen Audio's FM station database