At 6 a.m. 20 years ago today, KNJZ 100.3 FM switched from a smooth jazz format to classic R&B. Bart, a.k.a. The Midnight Cowboy, was the last DJ on the air before the switch. To his credit, he handled the transition well, saying a proper goodbye to the listeners during his last break and putting a positive spin on the new format:
"100.3, I think that's a very appropriate way to wrap things up, with Zachary Breaux doing 'Midnight Cowboy.' In front of that, we heard from David Sanborn and 'Goodbye,' Jonathan Butler's 'Going Home,' Terence Trent D'Arby doing 'Wishing Well,' and in front of that, Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour with 'Closed Door Jam.'"
Bart then mentioned that he'd been playing requests and dedications all night long, except for his specifically chosen last set:
"There was actually a point to that. If I read it backwards the way it was played, it says, 'The Midnight Cowboy says, 'Goodbye.' I'm going home and wishing you well. We're closing the door on another chapter...' 100.3 will not exist in the way that you're used to it existing. It will actually be new and improved--different jocks, different music, but we do expect for you to stick around and listen to this stuff because it's going to sound familiar to you. Some of the personalities will sound familiar. The music will definitely sound familiar..."
That's how you transition from format to another; that's being a good sport.
