#MediaMonday – Mike O’Donnell
After 15 years away from radio, Mike O’Donnell is returning as Station Manager for the re-launch of KZON “The ZONE” here in Phoenix, now on 94.9FM and broadcasting worldwide at www.949TheZONE.com. He spent the last decade and a half producing concerts, festivals, and brand activations in Flagstaff, across Arizona and around the country and is excited to be back in the Valley.
Mike, time to share!
Tell us about your role at the station?
For those who were with us in the 90’s and 2000’s, you remember what The ZONE meant. It went through years of navigating through adult alternative music formats and definitely pushing the boundaries of creativity. It wasn’t just a radio station. It was discovery. It was community. It was smart. It was different. Taking listeners and clients to unfamiliar places that are now common places. It was ours – and man did we have some fun!
During my time with the original KZON at 101.5FM, we built more than ratings — we built moments. We built careers. We built friendships and partnerships. We built a culture that still echoes through this market today.
As station manager at 94.9 KZON, I am currently sharing the stories with our old advertisers, building this trusted and iconic brand back in the market. The ZONE is not just back, it’s back home. We are focused on our strategic partnerships, experiential extensions and integrated campaigns that go far beyond traditional spot advertising. As we share the hallways with not only programming, promotions, digital, our live events team and the owner, we have the autonomy to create integrated, non-cookie cutter campaigns for our partners and community-centered programming for our listeners just as we did at the original ZONE.
What can listeners expect?
We re-launched The ZONE at 94.9FM with some of the original jocks — and this isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about evolution. It’s about reconnecting with a passionate, fully engaged audience in a modern, meaningful 2026 and beyond way. It’s about building something that matters again.
The Valley has grown and changed. The world has grown and changed, and behind the scenes, media has changed by leaning more and more on AI. But the need for authentic connection hasn’t. We just didn’t turn on a transmitter. We’re reigniting an iconic brand, a movement, a lifestyle. It’s cultural equity.
There were days when we were growing up, some in college, some starting careers, maybe part of the original 20/30 Club, going to our first big concerts. Well, many of those listeners are now in the 30/40/50 Club and decision makers around the Valley. They are the ones, the original ZONIES, who asked for the return of The ZONE. So we launched it.
You can expect the great music that we broke in the 90’s and 2000’s plus adult alternative music that matters now, delivered with intelligence and authenticity. As crazy as it is, it’s 2026, and music matters more now than ever to balance out your day.
I welcome you to taste the ZONE as a listener and experience the audience engagement as a partner!
Now that you’re back in the Valley, any favorite local hotspots?
You know, Craft 64 really hits the spot with their great pizza and with the new openings of The Henry around the Valley, you can’t go wrong!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on Central Avenue, right here in North Central Phoenix.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
Great question! I was just sharing with the team over at the Phoenix Film Festival last week that I land somewhere between Return of the Jedi and Pulp Fiction.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Growing up in the Southwest, I participated in many outdoor activities. One that I am proud of was our great run from 2000 to 2018 as I had built an off-road race team, participating in international races like the SCORE Baja 1000. That was just spectacular adrenaline-filled times in my life.
Contact Email: MikeOD@949TheZONE.com
