Zelus Media Group has launched adult alternative “94.9 The Zone” on the Chandler, AZ licensed FM translator K235CB (94.9) and KZON-HD2 Phoenix. The station is utilizing programming from SonicTrek.ai to broadcast a 24/7 AI-infused adult alternative station dubbed “Where Music Matters,” which becomes the fifth format offered by the new service.
“The Zone” features the voices of format veterans SonikTrek.ai’s Dennis Constantine, along with Nicole Sandler, Kevin Malvey and Sean Marten. The station pays homage to the former “101.5 The Zone” KZON, which was heard in the Phoenix market from 1992 until 2005.
“We are excited to be partnering with SonicTrek.ai in what we believe is the continuous evolution of radio,” Zelus Media’s CEO Michael Cutchall said. “Integrating human expertise and talent with cutting edge AI technology, that enhances the listener experience with localized music and content.”
SonicTrek.ai entered the audio syndication space in October 2025. The company is led by industry veterans Joel Denver (CEO) and Mike Agovino (CRO) and uses Futuri Media’s advanced AI technology to deliver hyper-localized, 24/7 audio formats.
In addition to “Where Music Matters,” additional formats offered include “Phoebe: Curiously Alternative,” “MyCountry,” “Starship,” and “CoolClassics.”
“Mike Cutchall and the Zelus team are embracing the opportunity to re-engage listeners and re-energize sales with our new 100% localized AI-infused Triple A format, utilizing real personalities who have licensed their voices to us,” Denver remarked. “We are excited to help make this happen.”
Agovino added, “Zelus presented us with the opportunity to develop a new format leveraging familiar localized voices within a tight window and ‘Where Music Matters’ answers that challenge in a big way. Moving forward, SonicTrek.ai will leverage the power of influential voices on both a national and local level to drive the impact of ai-infused audio even deeper into the market.”