RADIO DAZE

Veteran radio followers know that the most interesting programming can come from a station that’s about to change format or go off the air, when its staff has nothing to lose and can take chances--and has few commercials to interfere. That looks like the case for the last few weeks of KSCA-FM (101.9) before its adult alternative format is replaced with Spanish-language programming.

It’s small consolation for the station’s loyal fans, but music director Nicole Sandler has already loosened the structure a bit, allowing more spontaneity and breadth in musical selection. And with the sale expected for the past few months, the station did not sell new advertising for 1997 and currently has only one or two spots to run each hour from holdover accounts, so there’s plenty of time for the deejays to be creative.

Sandler’s also rewarding the faithful with nightly reruns of performances by such stars as David Byrne and Sting, taped live in the station’s Music Hall since KSCA went on the air in 1994. These are now airing weeknights at 9 p.m., and weekend airings may also be added. She’s also planning to invite various performers and other notables to sit in as guest deejays in the final days.

Says Sandler, “This is the most fun I’ve had since college radio.”