Rock 104.9: Las Cruces' Newest Rock Station Launches

Bravo Mic Communications brings a fresh rock sound to the local radio market

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:11pm

A striking, abstract illustration featuring a jagged, black silhouette of a guitar or microphone shape against a stark white background, conceptually representing the launch of a new rock radio station in Las Cruces.The launch of Rock 104.9 promises to shake up the local radio landscape in Las Cruces with a fresh, bold rock sound.Las Cruces Today

Bravo Mic Communications has launched a new rock radio station, Rock 104.9, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The station aims to challenge the established players in the market, Adams Radio Group's Classic Rock 98.7 and CHR station Hot 103.1. Rock 104.9 has assembled a solid lineup of on-air talent, including familiar voices in the area.

Why it matters

The launch of Rock 104.9 fills a void left since 2014 when Bravo Mic shifted 99.5 The Rocket to a country format. This move by Bravo Mic is a strategic attempt to capture a specific audience and carve out a unique path in the local radio scene, which has been dominated by the established players.

The details

Rock 104.9 has assembled a lineup of experienced on-air personalities. Jack Lutz, a familiar voice in the area, will continue his afternoon hosting duties but now in the mornings. Ricky T Tarin, Operations Manager and morning host of Classic Hits 101 Gold, will take over middays. And Shannon Ellis, previously at Zia Country 99.5, will bring her energy to the afternoon drive.

  • Rock 104.9 launched in April 2026.
  • Bravo Mic shifted 99.5 The Rocket to a country format in 2014.

The players

Bravo Mic Communications

A media company that has launched the new rock radio station, Rock 104.9, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Adams Radio Group

The owner of Classic Rock 98.7 and CHR station Hot 103.1, the established players in the Las Cruces radio market that Rock 104.9 aims to challenge.

Jack Lutz

A familiar voice in the Las Cruces area who will continue his afternoon hosting duties but now in the mornings on Rock 104.9.

Ricky T Tarin

The Operations Manager and morning host of Classic Hits 101 Gold, who will take over middays on Rock 104.9.

Shannon Ellis

Previously at Zia Country 99.5, she will bring her energy to the afternoon drive on Rock 104.9.

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What they’re saying

“This is a bold step that's sure to spark some debate among music lovers and radio enthusiasts alike.”

— Lance Venta, Founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com

“So, what do you think? Will Rock 104.9 become the go-to station for rock fans in Las Cruces? Or is this just a passing fad? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!”

— Lance Venta, Founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com

What’s next

Listeners in the Las Cruces area will be able to tune in to Rock 104.9 and experience the new rock sound for themselves. The station's success will depend on how it is received by the local community and whether it can establish itself as a viable competitor in the market.

The takeaway

The launch of Rock 104.9 in Las Cruces represents a strategic move by Bravo Mic Communications to fill a void in the local radio market and challenge the established players. The station's success will depend on its ability to attract a loyal following and provide a unique rock-focused listening experience for the community.