More listeners are turning into KTCU’s, “The Good Show” now that it has moved to Sunday nights. Hosts Tom Urquhart and Chris Bellomy switched from their Saturday morning slot to attract more local artists and a bigger audience.
And get more sleep.

“Basically we are sharper because we are not up at the crack of dawn,” Urquhart said. “We’ve had a positive response and now we can finally sleep in.”

KTCU employees said it’s evident more people are listening from the amount of calls they receive.

Bellomy and Urquhart say they’re supporters of local music and live shows, so catching a Friday night gig is easier. Local artists are also more apt to come in Sunday nights for on-air performances.

“The great thing is local bands can get air time because it’s a crime that they don’t,” said Steve Levering, a journalism professor and avid listener.

“The Good Show” features a modern-rock mix with comedy sketches mixed in. The goal is to rile up listeners with a variety of music and off-the-cuff comedy, Urquhart said.

“Finding the formula to get listeners to react is the hard part,” Bellomy said. “Contrary to commercial radio, we never want listeners to only have narrow, safe and bland music. We are opposite of that.”

Bellomy and Urquhart control the airwaves. Each three-hour show is unscripted and unrehearsed.

“We would rather fall face-flat three out of five times and hit twice with really good shows,” Bellomy said. “We free-form our playlist and fly by the seat of our pants. There is always a risk.”

Risk-taking caught the attention of the Dallas Observer. The alternative newspaper has nominated the show for its annual music show awards the past three years. Although they haven’t won, Urquhart says it’s nice to rub elbows with the big guys.

“We have cross-over listeners, no commercials and fans of local bands who tune in,” Urquhart said. “It’s endearing that we aren’t some polished radio station and have fun with it.”

Bellomy and Urquhart have known each other for 25 years. The show basically reflects the dreams discussed over a table at Dunkin’ Donuts when they were high school seniors.

The comedic banter has never stopped, Urquhart said.

“We are like brothers from a different mother,” Urquhart said. “Still from high school days we think we’re clever despite any evidence to the contrary.”

Said Bellomy: “We only have 3,000 watts, no promotions budget and our coolness. Doing what you love is something I would do for free. Oh wait, I already do!”

For more information, go to www.goodshow.net.