
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 5, 1994                   TAG: 9401070002
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley Bureau
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

`BILLY BLUEGRASS' MOVES TO WKEX

Bill Lineberry, known throughout the New River Valley as ``Billy Bluegrass,'' has moved his bluegrass-gospel music programs to Blacksburg's WKEX, 1430-AM. After spending the past 13 years with WRAD and WFNR, two other New River radio stations, Lineberry returned Monday morning to WKEX, where his career as a radio personality began in 1970.

``I think of him as a strong radio personality with a strong following of people,'' said WKEX owner and general manager Bob Smith. ``When [Lineberry] comes here, he brings that following with him, and we are pleased to have him back.''

Although Lineberry's show is a contrast to WKEX's big band and classic pop format, Smith thinks it will fit in perfectly with the rest of the station's programming.

``There is a need for bluegrass in the New River Valley,'' Smith said. ``No one else is playing it in the valley. Of course, we still think a lot of our big band and classic pop format - we're the only station that plays that, too.'' Smith also thinks those who enjoy classic pop and big band music, like bluegrass as well, so he hopes the programs will complement one another.

The ``Billy Bluegrass'' program will air Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to10 a.m. Big band and classic pop music will continue to be aired from 11:05 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Other changes at WKEX have been made to make room for Billy Bluegrass. ``The Town of Blacksburg Report'' and the ``Senior Outlook'' programs will be moved from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Blacksburg Town program is heard once each month and the Senior Outlook program with Sherry Costric is heard twice a month.

For further information on WKEX programming or the ``Billy Bluegrass'' show, call Smith at 951-9539.

by CNB