KBLR (97.3 FM) will debut a new country music format Feb. 1, according to General Manager Del Meyer.
"We'll play popular country songs from the 80s and 90s, along with some classic country mixed in," Meyer said.
KBLR, which is owned by NRG Media, becomes the third country format station serving the Omaha metropolitan area, joining Clear Channel-owned stations KHUS "Legendary American Country" (93.3 FM) and KXKT "The Kat" (103.7 FM).
Previously, KBLR was home to urban format "Hot 97.3 FM." But a change was necessary after Connisseur Media filed a permit to "construct" a new radio station on 107.7 FM, which NRG Media operated as its translator station for KBLR. In late December, NRG pulled the plug on its "BOB FM" format on 106.9 FM and rebranded the station as KOPR "Power 106.9, Omaha's Hottest Jamz," featuring a rhythmic contemporary format.
Meyer said J.D. Gibbs will be the station's leading on-air personality. Local news will be delivered by Jessica Meistrell and Chris Walz will serve as operations manager.
Gibbs previously hosted a morning show on the former "KOIL Country" (1020 AM) in Omaha and was operations manager for the same station when it was KKSC "The Source."
Meyer said the station will operate out of the current home of NRG Media-owned stations KFMT (105.5 FM) and KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont. However, KBLR's license is issued for the city of Blair.
