As KBAC/Santa Fe’s Ira Gordon Steps Down, Chris Diestler Named New PD

Changing Of The Guard

As we first reported back in early NOVEMBER (NET NEWS 11/2), IRA GORDON, who has helmed HUTTON BROADCASTING Triple A KBAC-FM (RADIO FREE SANTA FE)/SANTA FE, NM since its inception in the late-90s, will be stepping down as of JANUARY 31st. Taking GORDON’s chair on FEBRUARY 1st will be long-time KBAC specialty show programmer and host, CHRIS DIESTLER.

“IRA’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I’m ready to light up the airwaves,” said DIESTLER.  “I love music, and our fans do too.  I fell in love with KBAC when I moved to SANTA FE in 1997, and I’m honored to wear the crown.  I’ll make you proud, IRA!” 

“My heart’s always been with Triple,” DIESTLER adds, “ever since I worked with BREW MICHAELS and JULIE MARLETTO at KISM/BELLINGHAM, WA.  Nowhere but Triple A do we really have an opportunity to entertain and satisfy hungry music lovers.”  

SCOTT HUTTON, who purchased the signal 12 years ago, enticed DIESTLER out of semi-retirement on GORDON’s recommendation.  Of DIESTLER’s new position with the cluster, HUTTON said, “We are thrilled that our longtime employee CHRIS DIESTLER can take the reins of our legendary station KBAC 98.1 RADIO FREE SANTA FE. This station is so impactful to residents, visitors and our audience worldwide that we needed to make sure we had the right person to carry on the legacy of IRA GORDON.  IRA is and always will be the founder, creator and visionary for KBAC and, fortunately, CHRIS has been able to literally sit next to IRA for the last ten years while watching, listening and learning.  Congrats CHRIS – you deserve this honor!”

DIESTLER will be taking music calls on THURSDAYS 1-3p (MT). Reach him at (505) 471-1067, or at chrisd@santafe.com. GORDON can be reached at iragordon505@gmail.com.

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