Can’t Beat Local In The Morning

• Radio One Urban KBFB (97.9 The Beat)/Dallas is taking its morning show in a local direction — this morning, Veda Loca will be moving her “Hot Mess” from afternoons to morning drive with the launch of Veda Loca in the Morning. The new show will air from 5-10am weekdays and replaces the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Rickey Smiley enjoys a long connection to The Beat — his show aired locally on the station from 2004-2008, prior to its national rollout. In a show of support, Smiley, who affectionately refers to Veda as his “little sister,” will be in-studio today to officially pass the microphone to the new wake-up crew.

Joining Veda on this newly minted show are two veteran Beat personalities — co-host J Kruz, who previously did nights, and DJ Kayotik, who will serve as the show’s producer and mixer. The fresh, new voice of Jazzi Black will round out this new morning team. “It’s not ‘your mama’s morning show’ … but maybe they’ll listen too,” said Ms. Loca. “I’m really excited for this opportunity and I look forward to having a lot of fun with our listeners!”

“We appreciate what Rickey has brought to our listeners and we’re honored to have him with us, in person, to make the transition,” said Tami Honesty, VP/GM of Radio One Dallas. “As the competitive marketplace changes, we are taking an approach that we feel will best connect our audience with 97.9 The Beat and our new morning team personifies the lifestyle of the Metroplex.” Pictured, (l-r): Jazzi Black, J Kruz, Veda Loca and DJ Kayotik.