Translator(s) FM Language(s) English Owner John and Heidi Small | Format 80s music City of license Sioux Falls Area Midwestern United States | |
Broadcast area Midwestern United States Slogan Where it's ALWAYS in the 80's! | ||
Sunny Radio is a radio station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with the Call Letters KZOY. It broadcasts an 1980s format and was the first ever radio station besides satellite to do so. It is currently the third most popular radio station in the Sioux Falls metropolitan area.
History and present state
Sunny Radio was formed by a local couple, John and Heidi Small. John had previous radio experience and always dreamed of owning his own station. In the summer of 2009, the couple built the Sioux Empire's only locally owned radio station, as the others are all owned by companies. They decided on an 1980s format since the music is fun to dance to, which goes with their 'sunny' theme, and also to cater to the older audience who were previously left with no choice but to listen to modern music because there was little variety. They went with the slogan "Sunny Radio, where it's ALWAYS in the 80's!"
Although it is mainly a Sioux Empire station, a great deal of talk revolves around Brandon, the community the Smalls live in. In 2010, they purchased an old AM station from Backyard Broadcasting, since they did not use AM 1520. AM 1520 launched on May 15, 2010, FM 92.1 launched September 1, 2010, however, the station also broadcasts online at its website. The station has now added a second channel in Sioux City, Iowa, FM 97.1, as of February, 2016. This addition was borne of a desire to expand the reach of their market, as well as to improve the quality and scope of their broadcasting infrastructure.
The small radio station is growing rapidly with many national programs from the 1980s on the weekends like Casey Kasem's 80's show, The Amazing 80's with MG Kelly and Rick Dees Weekly Top 40. During the week, the radio shows are all local, these include: The John and Heidi Show, Maddy in the Midday, The B Side with Joshua Wayne, Jammin' Jay Williams and "The Night Ride" with KITT runs overnight.