Big shake-ups in the Las Vegas airwaves are about to hit—imagine your favorite radio stations playing musical chairs with their frequencies! If you're a music lover tuning in from Sin City or its outskirts, this frequency swap could change how you connect with Hot AC hits and country tunes. But here's where it gets intriguing—it's a full reversal of a move from just a couple of years back, and it's sparking questions about what's best for listeners and broadcasters alike. Let's dive into the details and unpack why this matters, even for radio newcomers who might not know the difference between a watt and a wave.
Beasley Media Group is orchestrating this exciting frequency shuffle in Las Vegas, essentially undoing the switch they made back in June 2022. For those playing catch-up, a frequency swap in radio means stations change the specific radio dial numbers (like 102.7 or 107.9) where they broadcast, often to optimize signals or respond to market needs. It's like rearranging seats at a concert to get better sound for everyone in the crowd.
So, what's happening? The Hot AC powerhouse known as '102.7 VGS'—broadcasting from KVGS in Boulder City—is jumping over to 107.9. Meanwhile, the beloved Country station '107.9 Coyote Country,' coming from KCYE in Meadview, Arizona, is heading back to its old stomping ground on 102.7. Mark your calendars: this transformation kicks off at midnight on Thursday, November 13, so set those alarms if you want to hear the switch live!
To give you some backstory and help make sense of it all, the 'Coyote' brand first howled onto the scene on 104.3 way back in 2005. It prowled over to 102.7 in 2009 and stayed there until that 2022 swap with KVGS. Now, it's looping back to 102.7, which boasts a robust 99kW power output and a towering 603-meter antenna height—think of it as a stronger megaphone for country fans across the region. On the flip side, the Hot AC format launched in 2015 under the catchy name 'Star 107.9' before morphing into '102.7 VGS' during its previous move. With this shift to 107.9, it lands on a 100kW rimshot signal (that's a directional broadcast that hugs the edges of the coverage area) paired with a 2.5kW booster on the iconic Strat tower right on the Las Vegas Strip. For beginners, signals and boosters are like turbo boosts in a video game—they help the radio waves reach more listeners without fading out over hills or buildings, ensuring crystal-clear tunes whether you're cruising the desert or lounging in a casino.
Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase put it perfectly: 'Both KCYE and KVGS have deep roots in this market. This frequency realignment allows us to build on their legacies and strengthen our overall presence in the Las Vegas community.' It's a nod to history, showing how these stations have evolved with the city. And Regional Vice President AJ Lurie chimed in with enthusiasm: 'We’re excited to return these legendary stations to their original frequencies. This change enhances our ability to deliver the best possible listening experience to our audiences and provides greater opportunities for our advertisers.' Imagine it like restoring a classic car to its original glory—potentially attracting more fans and sponsors who love that nostalgic vibe.
But here's the part most people miss: how does this play out in the ratings game? In the latest September 2025 Nielsen Audio ratings for Las Vegas, KCYE grabbed a 2.0 share, which, while solid, lags behind iHeartMedia’s '95.5 The Bull' KWNR's impressive 3.8 share. For context, a 'share' is like a slice of the listener pie—higher means more ears tuned in during key times. KVGS clocked in at 2.1, trailing Audacy’s 'Mix 94.1' KMXB's 4.2 share. These numbers could shift with the swap, but is it enough to close the gap? And this is where it gets controversial—some argue that frequency changes confuse loyal listeners, leading to tune-outs and lost ratings, while others say it's a smart strategic move to boost signals and advertiser interest. Could this be a genius way to revitalize these stations, or just another headache for fans who have to reprogram their car radios? It's a debate worth having, especially in a competitive market like Las Vegas.
What do you think—will this frequency flip breathe new life into Coyote Country and 102.7 VGS, or is it just complicating things for no good reason? Do you prefer stations sticking to their roots, or are you all for innovation? Share your opinions in the comments below—let's discuss!**
