Joel de Blonk lands the afternoon drive at Froggy 99.9 KVOX-FM. Midwest Communications Fargo is shuffling its on-air lineup.
What We Know: de Blonk joins from KOYY Y94, where he spent four years as APD and afternoon host. He replaces Bryan Scott in KVOX-FM’s afternoon slot while continuing to host 6–8pm on Y94. Sister station Y94 promotes night host ‘E’ to the 1–6pm timeslot. The station now actively hunts for a midday host to complete its weekday schedule.
What They Said: de Blonk flipped the hiring script entirely. His midday host search prioritizes energy over experience: “Radio experience is a plus, BUT if you’re not afraid to talk to people at events, get on stage and introduce artists in front of thousands, and just have fun at work…YOU should apply.” He’s signaling what modern radio demands—authentic connection beats traditional credentials every time.
What Remains Unclear: Timeline details for the midday hire stay unconfirmed. Specifics around Mandy Morgan‘s exit from morning and midday duties remain sparse. Additionally, Ryan Kelly‘s morning move from KRWK and Noel ‘Scotch’ Anderson’s Florida relocation suggest broader cluster moves not yet fully detailed.
What It Means: de Blonk’s dual-station role demonstrates management confidence in his multi-platform appeal. Cluster reshuffles happen constantly in tight markets like Fargo. Yet his emphasis on personality over pure radio chops signals how modern radio culture values authenticity and connection above all.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.