Morning Movement In Phoenix

• Entercom Phoenix just announced a high-profile morning show swap — Maria Knight and Chad Mitchell (left), currently doing mornings on Classic Hits 94.5 KOOL FM will cross the hall to take over mornings on Country KMLE. They will pass current KMLE morning talent Niko Petrou (right) in the hallway as he makes his way over to take command of the wake-up show on KOOL-FM. Both shows move into their new homes on February 25, and will air live weekdays from 5:30-10am PT.

“This transition will allow us to maximize the content we deliver daily to this market,” said Dave Pugh, SVP/Market Manager, Entercom Phoenix. “Maria and Chad are market veterans who know and love the country format and we are excited for KMLE listeners to get to know them. Niko has a great connection to Phoenix and we are confident that his passion and energy will enable him to connect with KOOL’s listeners.”

Knight joined KOOL-FM in 2005. Prior to that, she worked at KZON and KSLX/Phoenix and KJFX/Fresno. “I’m a country girl at heart and have been part of the ‘KMLE Nation’ for over a decade,” said Knight. “I’m really excited about the move across the hall.” Mitchell joined KOOL in 2016. Before that he did mornings on KESZ/Phoenix, WRMF/West Palm Beach and WKQI and WDRQ/Detroit. “I’m excited to transition back to Country mornings on KMLE, a truly iconic brand,” Mitchell said. “Maria and I cannot wait to celebrate many successes for years to come.”

Petrou joined KMLE a year ago, coming from New York City, where he was APD/MD/midday personality on WNYL (ALT 92.3) — then WBMP — and he also did nights at Z100. Petrou said, “I had such a blast hanging out with our listeners every morning for the past year on KMLE, and being able to continue to host my own show on a legendary station like KOOL is a dream come true.”