He helped create one of Fresno’s most notorious radio stations. Now he’s back

When KKDJ reappeared on airwaves last year, longtime fans wondered if the legendary radio station had actually returned.

Sure, there was a station operating under the same call letters, using the original logo even, but where was the original staff?

Where was Dean Opperman?

Opperman was in many ways the face (or voice) of KKDJ. He was the station’s first hire and original program manager when the station went on air at 105.9 FM in 1979. He was part of KKDJ’s popular morning show and created some of it most iconic characters — Aunt Penny, for one.

The station had been in talks to have Opperman and others involved in the rebirth.

Those talks finally paid off.

“After three years,” says the station’s CEO, Chris White.

On Saturday, Opperman posted the news on Facebook.

“Started New Job at KKDJ Radio and TV Fresno — Program Director, Morning Show Fresno, California Stay tuned!”

The station signed Opperman to “a long-term contract” for both the radio station and accompanying TV station. He will also host his own morning show, “Dean at Dawn.” It’s an obvious play on his old show “Dean and Don.”

The station is still looking to bring on more of the original staff: “This was part of the original plan,” White says.

The station is excited to have Opperman, both for his vast talents and the institutional knowledge.

“Dean’s more focused then ever,” White says.

The station will be hosting a kick-off party at Buffalo Wild Wings near Fresno State. The date for the party has not yet been set.

This story was originally published September 26, 2018 at 4:05 PM.