KRDI (The Drive, 101.7FM AM830)/Tucson Launches

Bobby Rich Is Back

Targeting Boomers while they drive, RADIO TUCSON L.L.C. Classic Hits KRDI (THE DRIVE, 101.7FM & AM830)/TUCSON debuts on-air today and at TheDriveTucson.com. Market legend BOBBY RICH is doing mornings and is PD.  He's joining legacy TUCSON TV and Radio general manager JIM ARNOLD and TUCSON downtown business leader FLETCHER McCUSKER for this locally owned and operated station.

Formerly FAMILY LIFE BROADCASTING Christian formatted KFLT-A and translator K269FV, the station stunted last week as “THE WORM, The Greatest Novelty Hits of All Time,” before flipping to THE DRIVE. RICH is President of the new entity, while McCUSKER is Chairman and ARNOLD is Partner/GM.

RICH, a 25-year TUCSON talent/PD who anchored the top-rated morning show on KMXZ since 1993, said, "This is a dream come true for all of us. A chance to select our own music, manage content that matters to TUCSON and have fun making great radio without corporate oversight.” 

McCUSKER noted, “BOBBY has full creative control. Branded as The DRIVE, KRDI is designed to appeal to adults who identify as 45-64 whose radio options have become overlooked and underserved by radio. KDRI-AM830 carries from the MEXICAN border to PHOENIX, while The DRIVE 101.7-FM signal can be heard all over TUCSON, so we will provide frequent road reports and local information. The music will be familiar without playing the same 40 songs over and over.”

The entire airstaff have TUCSON roots. Co-hosting with BOBBY RICH in mornings is HILL BAILEY, a TUCSONAN since 1987, middays KEN CARR, in TUCSON radio and TV since 2001 as a PD and jock; afternoons, MIKE ESPARZA, a 30-year pro who started his career in TUCSON returns after years of SAN DIEGO success as “THE MIKEY SHOW”; Nights TYLER RUSSELL, born and raised in TUCSON, started his career as an intern for BOBBY RICH and later Los ANGELES, PALM SPRINGS and LAGUNA BEACH, CA.

« see more Net News