Country Radio is alive and doing very well in Des Moines, Iowa, with Cumulus Country KHKI (Nash 97.3) enjoying ratings success that consistently finds it at or near the top of the market. I caught up with OM Chad Taylor and PD Andrew “Danger” Vonahnen to pick their brains on the keys to success.
KHKI has been in the format since 1993. It was originally known as “The Hawk 97.3,” a reference to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, before landing on “Nash 97.3” in 2013.
Danger attributes a huge part of the success to the stations on air crew, which have, in most cases, been with the station a long time. “We come on the air with a positive attitude,” Danger said. “We have a lot of talent on the station that goes back several years.”
Danger and his partner Lindsay host mornings, “We’ve been doing that show 14 years, Kim Chase (middays) has been on the station 25 years, and Tim White, who does afternoons, has been on the station several years and even longer in the market, said Danger.
“We have a team of seasoned veterans that really do enjoy getting out in the market and meeting people.”
Taylor added, “Danger sweats the small stuff. He is very meticulous about everything. He’s in the building at 5 am and sometimes doesn’t leave until 6 pm. I think that plays a big role in his success, too.”
Country music can be cyclical, and most agree that it is now in a good place. KHKI doesn’t shy away from leading on new music. Taylor said, “Danger is not afraid to step out on new music or artists that he believes in. A great example would be Jelly Roll, who Nash was early on.”
Being right in the middle of the Midwest, I asked how Nash listeners react to pop crossovers like Post Malone. “It depends on the band, but the majority of the fans are positive, and they enjoy it. They do not seem to mind the crossover,” said Danger.
Speaking specifically of Post Malone, Danger added, “It seems like Post Malone and his attitude, the music, all of it has really seemed to stick. It seems like he wants to be a part of Country music. Country music fans have welcomed him in return.”
Taylor has a juggling act with heritage Country KJJY (Iowa’s Country Station) down the hall. Crediting Danger with making sure that the two don’t “cross-pollinate.” “We make sure that the meat and potatoes of KJJY is the 90s Country and the early 2000s Country. We don’t venture into the new space much, if at all, so there is a great separation there.
Danger added, “We really wanted to play off the heritage of KJJY by positioning as ‘Iowa’s Country Station.’ Reminding listeners the first time you heard Garth Brooks was on the station. When you went to see George Strait at an arena that isn’t here anymore, you won your tickets from KJJY. We want people who fell in love with a song you heard on KJJY to know that it is still on the same station.”
Taylor credits people like recently retired Cumulus Head of Country Programming Charlie Cook and Bruce Gilbert for a team effort in giving both stations a lane to succeed.
Taylor added, “They are there when you need them, but there is not a lot of push down. They really let you get in there and make this a central Iowa radio station. They leave the creative control in your hands because you know the market better than anyone.”
Taylor says that the “overall vibe” in the building contributes to the success. “When you sit in a promotion meeting, and you mention an appearance, maybe just to go out and hand out some t-shirts and shake some hands, and everybody in the room raises their hand to say how can I help.”
“Our people were born and raised here and are very protective of the brands.” Taylor added, “They want to do right by the brands and the listeners.
Taylor credits Danger with coaching and bringing out the best in his talent, “I don’t think there is a better talent coach. In fact, he is so good I will call him into my (sister) KGGO aircheck sessions. With Danger, talent actually looks forward to their aircheck. He does them weekly, and they are very collaborative.”
“The station is special. For me, as an OM, Danger makes me look good. I’ll get texts when the ratings come out saying great job with the Country stations, and I tell them it’s really Danger.
Listen to KHKI here. Reach out to Danger here and Taylor here.
Check out KJJY here.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
