KJAZ 98.1 FM launches

Bermuda will get a fifth radio station when KJAZ 98.1 FM officially launches this Sunday. The station will feature jazz, blues and world music, aimed at both serious jazz fans and more casual listeners.

Although KJAZ has been broadcasting with automated programming for several months now, Sunday will see the launch of its regular announcing lineup. This includes jazz recording artist, composer and producer Bob Baldwin, co-owner Derick CJ Symonds, Lee Johnson, Nic Swan and Danny Garcia. Additional upcoming programming will include award-winning shows from Public Radio Programming, such as The Market Place Morning Report and All Things Considered.

The station is also looking to take on a small number of new announcers. Experience is not necessarily required as the right candidates will receive training before going on-air. If you're interested, and think you have a good radio voice, drop an email to jazz@bdaradio.com.

I'm not a big fan of the music on FM 89, Power 95 or Hott 1075 and can't stand most of the DJs on Mix 106. As a result, KJAZ has already become the first station I switch to in the gaps between the news. I wish the new station luck.

Comments

[Martin on 31.08.05 at 20:59]

Much as I welcome another station - particularly Jazz - I also like some Classics.

Does no one else like classics?

[LT on 31.08.05 at 21:23]

Martin, we considered Classical Music Programming. If we receive enough requests from our listeners, we'll revisit the idea. Remember this is YOUR radio station. Look out for the Poll and suggestion pages comming soon to our web-site. This will help us keep in touch with our listeners and plan our programming to suit them, and not ourselves.

PS (Classical was the only music that I was able to listen to whilst studying)

[Martin on 31.08.05 at 21:58]

Thnaks LT.

[SmokingGun on 31.08.05 at 22:03]

Just a clarification if I may; are you considering classics and classical one and the same? Just curious.

[Two Cents on 31.08.05 at 22:03]

The musics not too bad on MIX106, it's the announcers, they are boring as hell.

I wish KJAZ 98.1 FM the best of luck although I'd be surprized if their is enough advertising support for it, unless it has some Fresh-TV type deal where they don't pay licencing fees etc for the first few years. ... I hope so as Bda could do with a breath of fresh air radiowise.

p.s Lee Johnson has the coolest voice in radio in Bermuda..... "See You On The Buses Mr. Johnson"

[Two Cents on 31.08.05 at 22:13]

Smoking,

I totally agree with you 2-3 hours per day dedicated to "The Classics" (as opposed to Classical) would go down a treat. See Smoking's sugguestions on the post "Why People Still Download..." for some ideas plus EW&F, Free, Queen,Stones, etc and you'd have a winner

[SmokingGun on 31.08.05 at 22:36]

Thanks Two Cents, that's what I thought by classics as well, just wasn't sure if it could mean both.
I enjoy both versions anyway so I wish the best for the new station. Having a greater selection to choose from in Bermuda is always a good thing.

[LT on 31.08.05 at 22:58]

Thanks to all the well wishers. I'm confident that our format won't dissapoint you. To answer your question Two Cents, we are 100% legit. No short cuts for us. The Hefty license fee was paid up front out of our own pockets months ago. We are very aware that Image means everything in BDA. Both CJ and Lee Johnson will kick off live from midday on Sunday.

[ace on 01.09.05 at 07:00]

I knew a Jazz musician that claimed that in order to make a million in the Jazz business you need to invest two million.

Not sure if that applied to radio stations.

[Somers on 01.09.05 at 08:31]

(super low voice)
Jaaaaazzzzz with Johnson...

Almost as much of a radio institution as CTI in my book. :) Glad to hear he is back!

[Bill Cook on 01.09.05 at 09:00]

My best friend is a proffesional jazz musician and originally from Belfast he now lives in England.
In the days of Chris Barber with Monty Sunshine New Orleans jazz was popular.

I think its tough to sustain on jazz alone and if combined with easy listening that is a respite from the dischordant jarring crap we hear so much to day it would be welcome

[John on 01.09.05 at 18:03]

Talk of the new jazz radio station takes me back many years. I recall one night - I think it was in 1967 - when I attended at The Rosebank Theatre for a rare visit by the legenary Duke Ellington and his orchestra. What a thrill to see this lion of the jazz world playing with many other stars who were legendary in their own right: I thought that all my birthdays had arrived at once.

Imagine my surprise and horror when I found myself surrounded by more empty seats than full ones; there was less than 100 people in the hall.

Still buzzing at the end of the concert, I hung about outside and was thrilled to see the great man only feet in front of me. I remember that I thanked him for a wonderful moment and apologised on behalf of the people of Bermuda for their poor response to his visit. He replied that it was OK, but that he would not be returning.

Obviously there is more interest in jazz these days.

[busguy on 01.09.05 at 18:26]

Two Cents,
Lee Johnson is no longer on the bus. Took early retirement after a Heart Related Problem but is back here and doing great. Bet he has a new line now lol. As long as C. J. loses that ahhhhhhh that he uses 2 much (joke) the station is gonna be the one for me.