You’re driving down I-84, the sun is hitting the Owyhees just right, and suddenly that opening riff of "Peace of Mind" kicks in. If you live in Boise, you don't even have to look at the dial. You know exactly where you are.
For over three decades, 96.9 The Eagle (KKGL) has been the sonic backbone of the Treasure Valley. While other stations chase TikTok trends or swap formats faster than a Boisean changes lanes on Eagle Road, The Eagle has stayed remarkably consistent. It’s classic rock. It’s loud. And honestly, it’s one of the last bastions of "old school" radio that actually feels like it belongs to the community rather than a corporate server in a different time zone.
The Bob & Tom Factor and the Morning Grind
Let’s be real: mornings in Boise would feel weird without the chaotic laughter of the Bob & Tom Show. It’s a syndicated staple, sure, but it’s been the 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM anchor on 96.9 for so long that it feels local.
People love to debate whether the show is still "as good as it used to be" after the lineup shifts over the years, but the ratings don't lie. It still draws a massive crowd of commuters heading into downtown or out toward Nampa. It’s that familiar mix of comedy, random news bits, and the kind of humor that makes a 20-minute traffic jam at the Flying Wye slightly more bearable.
But the station really finds its groove once the syndicated stuff ends.
Local Voices in a Digital World
Around 10:00 AM, Ron O’Brian takes over the airwaves. He’s got that classic radio voice—the kind that sounds like he’s actually sitting in the truck with you. Following him is Forrest, who handles the afternoon drive from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
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In an era where most stations are "voice-tracked" (meaning a DJ in a different city records segments and drops them into a playlist), having actual local personalities who can talk about the construction on Chinden or the weather at Bogus Basin matters. It’s a nuance that gets lost in the streaming world. Spotify can’t tell you that the line at the West Boise Costco is currently three miles long.
The Weekday Lineup
- 6 AM - 10 AM: The Bob & Tom Show
- 10 AM - 2 PM: Ron O'Brian
- 2 PM - 7 PM: Forrest
- 7 PM - Midnight: Steve Gorman Rocks
Steve Gorman (formerly of the Black Crowes) brings a cool, musician’s perspective to the evening slots, but the heart of the station is still that midday and afternoon block where the "Boise-ness" really shines through.
More Than Just "Stairway to Heaven"
There is a common misconception that classic rock stations just play the same 40 songs on a loop. While you’re definitely going to hear your fair share of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and AC/DC, 96.9 The Eagle has been slowly evolving.
They’ve leaned into what some call "Classic Rock 2.0." This means you’re now hearing 90s hits from bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots mixed in with the 70s legends. For the Gen X crowd in Boise, this is the sweet spot. It’s nostalgia that doesn’t feel dusty.
The Eagle Rock Girls and the Classic Car Show
You can’t talk about 96.9 The Eagle without mentioning their community events. They don't just exist in the airwaves; they’re on the ground.
The annual 96.9 The Eagle Classic Car Show is a massive deal. Usually held in April at the Boise Hawks Memorial Stadium in Garden City, it’s a total throwback event. You’ve got people bringing out pristine 1960s Mustangs and refurbished trucks, and it’s usually the big release party for the "Eagle Rock Girls" calendar.
It’s one of those events that feels very "Idaho." It’s free to the public, there are bounce houses for the kids, and it’s basically a massive tailgate party centered around chrome and loud engines. In 2026, the show is slated for April 4th, and if the past years are any indication, the parking lot will be packed by 9:30 AM.
Why 96.9 Still Wins the Ratings War
You might wonder why a radio station is still relevant when everyone has a smartphone. It comes down to ease of use.
There is something deeply satisfying about jumping in your car, hitting one button, and not having to curate a playlist. The Eagle excels at "passive listening." Whether it’s playing in the background of a mechanic’s shop in Meridian or at a backyard BBQ in the North End, it’s the universal language of the Valley.
They’ve also done a surprisingly good job with their app. You can stream the station, enter contests (like the "Name That Movie" trivia), and check out the Rock Girls photos without needing a physical radio. They’ve managed to bridge the gap between "analog cool" and "digital necessary."
Making the Most of the Eagle Experience
If you’re new to the area or just looking to engage more with the station, don't just listen—participate. The station is known for giving away serious prizes, from Metallica tickets to $5,000 cash giveaways.
- Program the number: Save (208) 389-9797 in your phone. That’s the studio line for requests, contests, and texts.
- Check the events page: They are constantly doing "Ticket Thursdays" or live broadcasts at local businesses like High Desert Harley-Davidson.
- Download the app: It sounds like a corporate shill move, but for the "Speak Up" feature alone (where you can send voice memos to the DJs), it’s worth it.
At the end of the day, 96.9 The Eagle isn't trying to be the most "cutting edge" thing in Idaho. It’s trying to be the most reliable. It’s the sound of a Boise summer, the companion on a long winter commute, and a reminder that no matter how much the city grows, some things—like a Hendrix solo—never go out of style.
Next Steps for Listeners:
To get the full experience, sync your smart speaker by saying "Alexa, play Ninety-Six Point Nine The Eagle, KKGL." If you have a vehicle from 1989 or older, make sure to text "CAR" to their studio line before April to get a prime spot in the Memorial Stadium show.