Rumors have KVOO radio switching formats

There's a lot of talk about talk radio these days. Could there be changes in the works for one of Tulsa's oldest radio stations. <br><br>News on Six reporter Steve Berg says the rumor, and we

Friday, May 3rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

There's a lot of talk about talk radio these days. Could there be changes in the works for one of Tulsa's oldest radio stations.

News on Six reporter Steve Berg says the rumor, and we have to say that because it's not official, but several reliable sources are all saying the same thing. That KVOO will be switching to a talk format, perhaps as soon as a few weeks.

Will KVOO be switching from 'Classic Country', to talk? Ironically, almost nobody will talk about it. "I've heard the same rumors that a lot of people have." At least not on the record. Andy Oatman's family owned KVOO during the 1990's. He was also the station's program director. And if it happens, it would change a long-standing tradition in Tulsa radio. "KVOO has been a country station for 30 years and 30 years is a long time to be doing something."

And it's virtually the only outlet for classic country in the Tulsa market. "And that I think in and of itself would be one of the biggest losses would be to the people who are starved for that kind of music."

KVOO's management was very polite but would neither confirm nor deny the reports. But sources say syndicaters have been peddling their programs to both KVOO and talk-station KRMG, seeking the best price, which they say could be an indication that KVOO is switching to talk. AllAccess, a widely viewed radio industry website is also reporting the rumor.

Whatever KVOO has planned, Oatman says they obviously think it's a good move. "I promise you they've done a lot of research and they've investigated and they think that whatever they're going to do differently, they think they can make more money with.â€

Again, this is speculation at this point, but some think the change could happen in as little as two weeks, while other think they won't make a change during the May rating period.

So stay tuned.