LOS ANGELES (Rick Dees Official Website) - Rick Dees, the worldwide radio innovator and host of The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40, announced today the debut of The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Con Sabor ("With Flavor"), the first bilingual hit music countdown radio show hosted by a mainstream radio personality.
Debuting on Los Angeles' Latino 96.3, KXOL, this hit music countdown spiced with Top 40, Urban, R&B, Latin and Reggaetón artists, looks to set the station apart in its innovation; continuing its climb in the ratings. A long-time favorite of the Latin audience, Rick Dees says he is energized about expanding his well known Weekly Top 40 brand. Says Dees, "I couldn't be more excited! David Haymore, Pio Ferro, and Jerry Pulles, and the entire talented staff of Latino 96.3 have given me a 'gigante bienvenido' (giant welcome)."
From the listening trends observed, it looks as though Dees has made this move at an opportune time. According to the Fall 2005 Arbitron ratings, Los Angeles' KXOL reaped exceptional ratings, among them achieving peak weekend AQH Shares of 4.6 for 12+ audience and 6.2 for persons 18-49. The first show will feature a cross section of Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee, Nelly, Mariah Carey, Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Seal Paul, Eddie Dee and Juanes, to name a few.
David Haymore, Vice President/General Manager of SBS Los Angeles commented, "We are ecstatic to welcome Rick Dees to Latino 96.3 ˜ he is a fan favorite across the board, and has a massive Latino following throughout Los Angeles. . By adding Rick 's show to our programming , we will continue our mission to provide our listeners with unique customized programming for all the youth of Los Angeles. Haymore adds, "Rick Dees is L.A. radio. We are honored to have someone of his stature on our radio station."
Listeners to The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Con Sabor will not only hear such varied Latin and pop mainstream artists such as Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Chris Brown, Nelly, Wisin & Yandel, and more, but also will also get a chance to Page 2 hear personal, up-close interviews in both Spanish and English. As always, listeners will have chances to gane (win) cash and prizes on the Weekly Top 40 Challenge.
Says Liz Laud, EVP Affiliate Sales of X Radio, who produces the Weekly Top 40 countdown and now the Con Sabor program, "It's exciting to be involved with a show that's on the cutting-edge. Rick is extending his reach to a different format by embracing the popularity of Latin music and creating a show that incorporates both Latin and Anglo mainstream Top 40. To date, there hasn't been a countdown that melds the two worlds together, hosted by one of the world's greatest radio personalities." Adds Laud, "We expect the show to be available for syndication shortly."
