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Twin Falls Radio Icon Kelly Klaas To Sign Off After 45 Years
October 20, 2014 at 11:47 AM (PT)
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Longtime TWIN FALLS, IDAHO, radio talent KELLY KLAAS will retire at the end of the year from TOWNSQUARE MEDIA after more than 45 years of broadcasting in the MAGIC VALLEY..
KLAAS began his radio career as a Top 40 DJ in 1969 on 1450 KEEP-A, which is today known as 1450 KEZJ-A. He ascended through various positions, including News Dir. and PD, but most enjoyed hosting and delivering the news, for which he won several awards from the IDAHO STATE BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION, Iincluding Newscaster of the Year, Best Farm Broadcast of the Year and several Best Commercial Production of the Year.
KLAAS also served as Chief Engineer. In 1993 the company which owned 1450 KEEP-A purchased 1310 KLIX-A and KLIX and he was integral in integrating the new stations into the existing operations. He also supervised the upgrading of various transmitter sites during his career, as well as overseeing the construction of 98.3 KSNQ-FM in 2004. Since 1993, KLAAS Klaas has been primarily heard on 1310 KLIX-A.
Among his career highlights, KLAAS cites the time WOLFMAN JACK joined him on his show one evening, sparking an enormous listener turnout at the station facilities, as well as meeting President RONALD REAGAN during an early presidential election campaign. KLAAS also reported live from the SNAKE RIVER CANYON when EVEL KNIEVEL attempted his infamous jump in 1974.
In 2007, 1310 KLIX-A launched TOP STORY WITH KELLY KLAAS, a talk show which began as a 45-minute program and has since expanded to its current two-hour format. The show addresses politics, human interest and a myriad of topics of interest to the MAGIC VALLEY residents.
On retiring, KLAAS plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, talk on his ham radio, work in his woodworking shop and pursue his interest in photography.
TOWNSHARE MEDIA TWIN FALLS Market Manager JANICE DEGNER commented: “For a generation, the people of the MAGIC VALLEY have relied on KELLY KLAAS for news, information, entertainment, companionship and laughter. We congratulate him on a career to be aspired to and wish him the very best in his retirement. He will be missed by our company, our team in TWIN FALLS and the people of the MAGIC VALLEY.”
A nationwide search is currently underway to find a successor, "though not a replacement," for KLAAS on 1310 KLIX-A.

