The ‘New’ K-ZAP Turns 10
Jun 25, 2025 03:47PM ● By J.G. Wirt
Tubby the K-ZAP cat adorns bumper stickers, shirts and hats promoting the station. Photo courtesy of Dennis Newhall
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - July 8 will mark 10 years since the rebirth of K-ZAP as a low-power broadcaster and internet radio station. In that time, former listeners have tuned back in and have helped to spread the word about the “50 Years of Rock, Blues & More” station.
There’s no big celebration planned, said Dennis Newhall, program manager and weekday morning announcer.
Rather, K-ZAP’s current big effort aims to secure a second low-power signal that would help its radio broadcasts (at KZHP 93.3 FM) cover an area from Rocklin to Mather and McClellan to El Dorado Hills. A waiver from the Federal Communications Commission, with help from the area’s U.S. representatives, just might make it happen, Newhall said. The petition is at k-zap.org/zapthegap.
Meanwhile, the all-volunteer crew continues to raise the K-ZAP profile by supporting events and selling tee-shirts and hats featuring the smiling K-ZAP cat and shows such as “Mick Martin’s Blues Party” and “Psychedelic Sunday.”
The on-air team adds context to the K-ZAP music mix in three-hour shifts. And it’s all about the music: new songs by old artists and just the right mix of the new stuff. K-ZAP airs plenty of deep tracks and b-sides, along with artists that don’t get airplay on the major stations.
“It’s a craft. Like you’re building something,” Newhall said of curating the playlist from the vast K-ZAP music library. “Sometimes a great artist has something new but it doesn’t fit our format.”
The on-air volunteers do three-hour shifts, all remote, and support the station because it’s convenient, Newhall said. No commute. “And it’s fun. It’s a sandbox.”
“For the most part they’re radio veterans,” Newhall said. “No one’s hiring 60-year-old DJs.”
Newhall, who also helps to curate the Sacramento Rock and Radio Museum, says he and the other veteran announcers do this work for mental stimulation and camaraderie.
“And like any hobby, you try to get better at it,” he said.
K-ZAP’s Specialty Shows
“Mick Martin’s Blues Party” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
“Floydian Slip” is at 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
“The Grateful Dead Hour” is at 9 p.m. Thursdays.
“Rush Hour Blues” is at 5 p.m. Fridays.
“Psychedelic Sunday” is 10 a.m. to noon Sundays.
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