Radio Beat: KYPT hops the alternative train

The new format, Infinity says, will feature core grunge artists, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, mixed with alternative groups from the 1980s and 1990s, including New Order, The Cure, The Police and R.E.M.

Infinity's announcement followed by one day the announcement from Entercom's KNDD-FM (The End, 107.7), that it is changing its on-air staff, the music it plays and the way that music is presented.

The overarching theme of those changes is that The End will sound more like it did in its early days, when it rode the emergence of the alternative and grunge movements to prominence in Seattle radio.

The emergence of classic alternative as the latest format for Seattle had been rumored for weeks; KYPT was considered the likely candidate for that switch, especially since the 1980s format, after an initial burst of interest, hadn't generated much long-term ratings excitement.

The End's moves might be seen as a preemptive strike against a would-be competitor. Program director Phil Manning said the move was driven solely by what The End listeners have indicated they want.

Music may not be the only point of comparison between the two stations. Infinity's announcement promised "some of Seattle's most familiar and favorite on-air personalities that ruled the airwaves during the rise of the alternative music scene." It had already added one former End staffer, Bill Reid, to its staff. One other possibility: Andy Savage, whose morning show left The End at the expiration of his contract earlier this year.

KNDD, meanwhile, said it is adding more music from heritage bands, such as Green Day and The Clash. What it means is less of bands such as Limp Bizkit, Korn and Linkin Park. "Frankly, new metal is gone," Manning said.

Also gone is the Marconi show, which Entercom moved from a sister station in Portland to The End to replace the departed Andy Savage show. Manning said no permanent replacement has been named. The rest of the on-air staff "will be retained if they want to come along for the ride," he said.

The End isn't abandoning new music but, Manning said, "the new stuff will be more in line with what came out of the '90s." The End also plans to emphasize new music from local acts, such as Death Cab for Cutie and The Presidents of the United States of America.

The station says announcers won't talk over the beginnings or ends of songs and will identify what has been played; humor won't be discouraged but stunts are out.

In other radio notes:

One other station is making a switch in mornings: KLSY-FM (92.5). The station announced that last week's live Christmas party hosted by Bruce Murdock, Tim Hunter and Alice Porter was the morning team's last show on the station. KLSY is moving its afternoon team of Mitch Elliott and Lisa Foster to the morning slot starting Jan.5, and is looking for replacements for the afternoon.

Speaking of the Marconi show, the cast has returned to Portland. A posting on the show's Web site says the show will air in Seattle on Entercom's KQBZ-FM, but management there says nothing is scheduled as of now.

KING-FM (98.1) airs Handel's "Messiah" by the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston at 9 a.m. today.

"The Scandinavian Hour" continues its tradition of Christmas programs with music and stories at noon today on KKNW-AM (1150).

"Live From the Islands" presents more performances from the Choochokam Festival of the Arts at noon Saturday on KSER-FM (90.7).

The Malinks perform live on KEXP-FM (90.3) at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Steve Roden performs on "Sonarchy" at 11 p.m. Saturday on KEXP-FM.

Kate Daniels interviews Donna Rosenthal, author of "The Israelis," on "Inspirational Women" at 6 a.m. Sunday on KRWM-FM (106.9).

"Music With Moskowitz" at 7 p.m. Sunday on KYCW-AM (1090) features songs and comedy about New Year's resolutions.

Mark Hewitt, president of Tillicum Village, is the guest on "Kids Care" at 7:30 p.m. Sunday on KKDZ-AM (1250).

The Sunday edition of Jim French's "Imagination Theatre," heard at 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on KIXI-AM (880), includes a new Sherlock Holmes mystery.

On New Year's Eve, KIXI-AM presents recordings of concerts by such performers as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and Manhattan Transfer starting at 10 p.m. .

P-I reporter Bill Virgin can be reached at 206-448-8319 or billvirgin@seattlepi.com

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