In a year marked by political turmoil and uncertainty, the decision by Phoenix radio station KEZ 99.9 FM to start playing Christmas music on November 6th, the day after Election Day, has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from listeners. The station's program director, Paul Kelley, explains that the timing is perfect, as listeners are seeking the comfort and joy that the holiday season brings.

Bringing Festive Cheer to Listeners in Challenging Times

Turning on the Christmas Tunes

Tradition holds strong at KEZ 99.9 FM, as the station's beloved on-air personalities, Beth McDonald and Cory McCloskey, will once again flip the switch to nonstop Christmas music live on television between 7 and 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th. As always, the first song to grace the airwaves will be the classic "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams. To add to the excitement, the 99th caller to the station at 602-260-0999 will win a $2,500 cash prize, just in time for the holiday season.

Embracing the Early Start

Contrary to the common belief that it's too early to start playing Christmas music, the station's program director, Paul Kelley, firmly believes that this year, the timing couldn't be more perfect. "Over the last several years, the questions have changed from, 'Why so early?' to 'How soon can we expect it?'" he explains. Kelley notes that the station's listeners have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the holiday tunes, and with many retailers already decking their halls as early as August, KEZ 99.9 FM is determined to meet their listeners' expectations.

Providing Comfort and Escape

In a year marked by political turmoil and divisiveness, the station's decision to start playing Christmas music the day after Election Day is a strategic move to provide listeners with a much-needed respite. "This year especially, we've heard from listeners they need the comfort of Christmas music," Kelley says, "and in the nearly three decades of turning on Christmas music on stations through my career, that has certainly been the case during election years." By turning on the Christmas tunes, the station aims to offer a soothing escape from the constant barrage of political advertisements and rhetoric, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

Embracing the Festive Spirit

The early start of Christmas music on KEZ 99.9 FM is a testament to the station's commitment to its listeners and their evolving preferences. As Kelley notes, the questions have shifted from "Why so early?" to "How soon can we expect it?" This shift reflects the growing desire among listeners to embrace the holiday spirit as early as possible, seeking the comfort and joy that the season brings, especially in challenging times. By responding to this demand, the station is positioning itself as a beacon of festive cheer, ready to guide its audience through the holiday season with the timeless melodies and cherished traditions that have become synonymous with Christmas.