Rick Thomas’ Hawaiian Reimagination Campaign
• Rick Thomas has been back in Hawaii for what feels like 20 minutes, but he’s certainly hit Oahu running… While simultaneously dodging several hurricanes, Malama Media Group’s newly minted SVP of Programming has wasted no time in revitalizing two Honolulu FM signals.
Entering Labor Day weekend, Classic Hits KKOL repositioned itself as KOOL 107.9, “Hawaii’s Greatest Hits,” returning to its former “KOOL” identity. “At some point prior to the sale to Malama Media, the name was changed to Decades 107.9,” Thomas notes. “The audience still called it ‘KOOL,’ but the Decades product needed to be reimagined for optimum success. KOOL 107.9 will be locally programmed, proudly serving our Honolulu community with an uptempo mix of favorite songs and a generous dose of feel-good vibes.” KOOL 107.9 is voiced by the legendary Joe Cipriano and produced by Luis “Speedy Jr.” Gonzalez.
The reimagining continues down the hall on Country 97.5 KHCM. Under the station’s former owners, KHCM was using Westwood One’s satellite format. Thomas recently re-launched KHCM with a live and local approach to today’s Country music and he says the station immediately began growing in rating share. “It was important to us at Malama Media Group that contemporary Country artists like Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs, as well as red-hot up-and-comers like Hudson Westbrook, have a home in Honolulu on a radio station that connects them with our local audiences,” he said. “97-5 KHCM also leans into the listeners’ desire for longer blocks of music in a row with our ‘Commercial-Free’ approach, providing long music sweeps at several key times every day.” 97-5 KHCM is voiced by Scott Fisher and produced by Luis “Speedy Jr.” Gonzalez.
Thomas adds, “With both newly elevated brands, the next layer is finding the right personalities to connect with and serve Hawaii’s unique local audience.” In other words… stay tuned!
