Moving Day At Griffin Media Tulsa

• Griffin Media Tulsa is preparing for a historic call letter swap — effective Jan. 5, Country KVOO (98.5 The Bull) and Classic Country sister KXBL (Big Country 99.5) will exchange calls — 98.5 The Bull will enjoy the far more “Bull-esque” KXBL calls, while KVOO will move to 99.5.

Quick history lesson: The KVOO calls launched in 1926 on AM 1170, moved to 98.5 FM in 1983, and will settle into their new home at 99.5 on Jan 5. This call letter change marks a new chapter for Big Country 99.5 while honoring the heritage of KVOO and preserving the on-air personalities that listeners know and trust.

And that’s not all — Along with the call letter change, Big Country 99.5 celebrates KVOO’s 100-year anniversary in 2026. When asked about this gala centennial celebration, Don “DC” Cristi, Griffin Media Director of Radio Operations & Programming, said, “It’s an incredible honor to help carry forward the legacy of KVOO — the first station to broadcast live from Cain’s Ballroom with Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys, the home of Country Music Hall of Famer Billy Parker, and the station that helped launch the careers of legends like Reba, Garth, Toby, Brooks & Dunn, Blake, and so many more. Being part of this 100-year tradition is truly special.”

Tanner Messer, Brand Manager of Big Country 99.5, commented, “KVOO has been a part of Oklahoma for 100 years, and I’m honored to play a role in celebrating such an incredible milestone. I grew up listening to KVOO, so getting to help shape its next chapter feels truly special. I’ve been working closely with KVOO alumni to make sure we honor the legacy the right way, and we’ve put together some meaningful, fun, and really cool things to celebrate our listeners and our history.”

Ryan Named Brand Manager, K-Hits/Tulsa

But Wait! There’s More! As if Griffin Tulsa could handle any further excitement, we now know where Chris Ryan is headed… Cristi tells RAMP, “Our legendary CHR station KHTT (106.9 K-Hits) is proud to welcome Chris Ryan as our new Brand Manager. Chris has made the trek halfway across the country from WXLK (K92)/Roanoke, VA and officially begins his new duties on Monday, Dec. 29.”

Ryan, who resigned from K92 last week, joined the station in Oct. 2023, coming off a five-year run in Memphis with Audacy Hot AC WMC-FM (FM 100), rising to APD/MD and morning co-host. Ryan’s programming experience began at KKCT (Hot 97.5)/Bismarck, ND in 2006 and progressed to KZWF (Hits 105.9)/Des Moines, IA, WWHX (Hits 100.7)/Bloomington, IL, WRTS (Star 104)/Erie, PA and WSOY (Y103)/Decatur, IL. He also spent a year at KHMX (Mix 96.5)/Houston as the local producer of The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.

Cristi added, “This gig attracted a lot of attention and an impressive group of candidates. Chris’s track record, his passion for the format and his unbelievable due diligence put him head-and-shoulders above the pack.”