KCDZ-FM radio celebrated its thirty-fifth year on air July 15, 2024. Cindy and Gary Daigneault founded the Station in 1989 at studios in Joshua Tree. Cindy said that once they received the radio license and built the Station, it’s been their life ever since. Their son, Cody Joseph, grew up at the Station and now serves as Program Manager and Co-host of the morning show. He emphasizes the Z107.7 role as a community lifeline, recalling, “Before social media, local radio was social media, the voice in the night.”
Cody Joseph remembers the early days. “I have memories going back to when there were Jukeboxes. You had to pull the physical card with a code in it that you would type into the Jukebox.”
Technology has changed, but Z107.7 still provides resources and news, especially during catastrophic events like the 1992 earthquake and Hurricane Hilary in 2023.
In 1992, Gary went to Somalia as an embedded reporter for the Associated Press to report on the events there for the Twentynine Palms Marine Base and the rest of the country. The Station coordinated a 35-mile-long yellow ribbon campaign by placing vinyl ribbons on utility poles from Morongo Valley to the Base until the troops returned from Desert Storm. As they returned, the station Coordinated bus traffic for the returning Marines and encouraged residents to line the highway with their good wishes.
The Station has extended its reach through multiple radiothons, raising $11,000 to send Twentynine Palms High School students to Carnegie Hall.
They raised $147,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief and have been fierce local arts and theater promoters, including their work with Theatre 29.
Gary Daigneault was named to the Associated Press Hall of Fame in 2010 and given a Special Mark Twain award by the Associated Press in 1993 for his coverage of the Landers Earthquake and Somalia. The Station was also awarded “Station of the Year” in 2000 and was a two-time finalist for the prestigious “Marconi Awards” by the National Association of Broadcasters. Z107.7 received a letter of congratulations from President Obama, who saluted the Station for carrying on a proud tradition that “helps America reach a better tomorrow.” The station has won five “Golden Mike” awards for news excellence from the Radio-Televison news Association and seven “Mark Twain” awards for news achievements from the AP.
Now semi-retired, Gary Daigneault hosts the impactful Up Close Show every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m., interviewing community members and political representatives. On the Morning Show, Cody and his co-host Jef Harmatz wake up the hi-desert with their unique chemistry of newcomer and long-time resident. And the station has a close relationship with public lands like our neighboring Joshua Tree National Park and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
Dawn Davis, resident and owner of Soul Connection in Joshua Tree, summed up her feelings for the Station by saying, “I listen every day to get the national and local news at the top of every hour. It’s so rare to have a locally owned station that employs folks from the local community instead of using on-air talent that’s miles away in another state. We are so lucky to have you here. So happy 35th KCDZ Joshua Tree, and here’s to another 35 More.”
