Sounds very interesting! I'd listen for a while, if only to expand my horizons (I remained biased against southern-fried rock, probably because I'm biased against southern-fried politics and I have trouble separating the two). What's the format called?
It's been called many things over the years; in the early '90s it was called "Thunder Country" (which was more of a male-leaning country format with Southern Rock thrown in) and more recently someone called it "Mother Trucker" (!). I'll find their stream and check 'em out after 10@10.
Clear Channel Launches Commercial-Free "Lone Star 92.5"
April 23, 2007
Clear Channel unveiled a new format today in Dallas, as Classic Rock KZPS flipped to "Lone Star 92.5." After being tried out as an HD-2 side channel, the new format mixes "outlaw" Country with Southern Rock and Alt-Country music. The Lone Star format was created by programmer Duane Doherty, who says, "All we had on the HD-2 channel was the music and the response was incredible. In a sense, we’re recapturing the early days of FM – when your jock was a trusted guide through what was new and important. Lone Star is the music we love in Dallas without the hype.”
Also, Lone Star 92.5 will not air traditional spots. Instead, the station will have "sponsors" whose content will be integrated in throughout the hour. “There’s a credibility and an authenticity of partnering with sponsors who share our passion for this music,” said Kelly Kibler, director of sales for CC Radio/Dallas. “We’ll only have one airline, one cellular carrier, one beer. This is about sharing an experience and a commitment to the incredible creativity of these artists. To do that honestly and well, you have to step up. Traditional commercials are fine for many radio formats, they just didn’t work here.”
Lone Star 92.5 will feature such artists as ZZ Top, The Old 97's, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and of course, Willie Nelson. In fact, the Red Headed Stranger will also serve as the voice of the station.
