Locally owned McKenzie River Broadcasting stands out by keeping its community on the air – thanks to engaging local morning hosts on both New Country 93 and Mix 94.5 connecting listeners and boosting ratings. They’re not just there to press play on songs. John Tilson, President of McKenzie River Broadcasting, believes in community connection through having amazing radio personalities on his stations. Having strong morning show hosts like Robb and Kori on New Country 93.3 (KKNU) and Chadd and Kristi Thomas on 94.5 Mix FM (KMGE) is super important in today’s media landscape. 

Radio personalities can react live to breaking news, weather alerts, or major events. That’s crucial for public safety and keeping people informed on the spot.

So yeah, they’re kind of like the heart and soul of a station — especially in mid-sized communities where that familiar voice can be a big part of someone’s daily vibe. ​

Robb & Kori on New Country 93 (KKNU, 93.3 FM)

“Mornings with Robb & Kori” is the popular weekday morning show on New Country 93 KKNU, airing from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM. The show offers a blend of country music, local news, weather, listener calls and community updates, making it a staple for listeners in the Eugene-Springfield area.​

Talk about big shoes to fill, Robb and Kori who are both from the Eugene Springfield greater area, are very much aware of the award winning Barrett, Fox, and Berry. That KKNU team made the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. 

When it came time for them to step away, there was a national search to find a new team. It was a great delight to learn Lane County already had the right talent here with Robb and Kori. Both born and grown up in the Willamette Valley, they know their community. Robb is from Churchill High School and started his career right here in radio while Kori is from Pleasant Hill and once worked for KEZI TV. From a love of sports and country music to working with horses, these two connect easily with their audience.

Every morning, Robb and Kori open listeners’ days on New Country 93 with a blend of friendly banter, community updates, and the latest country hits. “We always say our job is to make someone’s drive to work feel a little lighter,” says Robb. Kori says. “It’s not just the music – it’s the stories, the shout-outs to local events, even laughs over spilled coffee. That’s what makes people feel part of something.” Robb adds “we’re just proud to keep this alive here in the Eugene/Springfield area”.

Their connection isn’t just a feel-good story – it’s backed by the numbers. According to Nielsen, New Country 93’s morning show with Robb & Kori has ranked #1 out of all  Eugene Metro (Lane County) stations in “Morning Drive” time (6-10 AM, Monday-Friday) in all four rating periods since they debuted on KKNU two years ago (Adults 25-54 and multiple other demographics). This reflects the trust and rapport they’ve built with listeners across the Eugene-Springfield area.

A local mom shared, “My kids and I feel like Robb and Kori are friends in the car with us.” This kind of involvement and loyalty is rare in an age where radio morning shows are increasingly either syndicated from afar with no local content or consist of a single local disc jockey.

A notable segment on the show is “First Responders Friday,” where Robb and Kori recognize heroes such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and medical professionals. Listeners are encouraged to nominate these individuals. Each week a selected first responder is honored with a free dinner from Roaring Rapids Pizza, along with a feature on the show at 7:50 AM Friday. 

Chadd & Kristi on Mix 94.5 (KMGE FM)

Over on Mix 94.5 Chadd and Kristi greet the day with upbeat chatter, relatable stories, and a playlist that spans adult contemporary hits of yesterday and today. They come to Eugene with 25 years experience in radio and love their new home, in particular continuing their love for animals. They are actively engaged with local charities like Greenhill and want to feature ways to help animals including rescue and rehoming 300 pets to date. They also support other charities like cancer organizations, Toys for Tots, and more. Plus lets not forget what big Ducks fans they are as even their daughter is a Duck.

The morning show, “Eugene Wakes Up with Chadd & Kristi,” airs weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Chadd and Kristi Thomas, the show offers a lively start to the day with music, humor, and local news.

“We’re not just talking to Eugene – we’re talking with Eugene” Kristi says. She laughs, “We love when listeners call in with their takes.” Chadd adds, “That back-and-forth is live radio magic.”

Mix 94.5 welcomes all listeners but is especially strong with women. Chadd and Kristi’s morning show typically ranks in the top three of all Eugene Metro (Lane County) commercial stations in the Nielsen ratings for Women 25-54.

Why Morning Shows Still Matter

In many markets, stations lean on national programming or a single local DJ, but McKenzie River Broadcasting doubles down on local voices and morning show teams, a move that pays off both in numbers and neighborhood goodwill.

Chris, a small-business owner in Eugene, says the morning shows are part of his routine: “It’s like having coffee with friends – except they play your favorite songs in between. You don’t get that kind of connection from an app.” That sentiment echoes broader trends: stations that nurture local personalities often build deeper listener loyalty and stronger ratings – especially when those voices reflect community events, weather, traffic, and heartfelt stories.

By centering on local engagement and team broadcasting Robb and Kori on New Country 93 and Chadd and Kristi on Mix 94.5 continue to be very successful in attracting and involving listeners and earning their loyalty.

Radio hosts can play a huge role in empowering a community. They’re more than just voices on the air — they’re connectors, advocates, and local influencers. 

Be sure to check out the line up of great stations.