6 June 2006

KTOO to Launch Two New Public Radio Channels

KSRJ-FM and KFMG-FM Purchased from White Oak Broadcasting

(Juneau, Alaska) -- KTOO, a leader in Alaska public broadcasting and the owner/operator of public radio station KTOO-FM in Juneau, will launch two new public radio channels this fall. With the acquisition of KSRJ-FM and KFMG-FM in an Asset Purchase Agreement signed today with White Oak Broadcasting, and pending FCC approval, KTOO will begin serving Juneau with three public radio stations by mid-October.

While the two new stations’ formats have yet to be defined, the move is in direct response to listener demand for more public radio programming. “Juneau has let us know that they have a great appetite for public radio – far beyond what we can program in a 24-hour schedule. For many years we have been looking for opportunities to offer more programming, and we are thrilled to have found a way to make that happen,” said KTOO-FM President and General Manager Bill Legere.

In addition to the programs they currently enjoy, listeners will soon get many of the shows they have been requesting over the years, as well as new services that the station plans to introduce. Potential new programs include daily broadcasts of Fresh Air and Talk of the Nation from NPR, new arts and music programs, and new locally produced programs with community hosts.

As it puts the new program schedules together, KTOO plans substantial community involvement. In the coming weeks, members will be invited to join a series of listener focus groups and to fill out an online program survey.

KTOO’s expansion is the result of its participation in “More Channels, More Service,” a Public Radio Capital project designed to help public stations find new channels for public radio programming. The industry’s leading advisor in planning, acquiring and funding new public radio channels, PRC represented KTOO throughout the acquisition process.

Working with the Revolving Loan Fund of the Juneau Economic Development Council, KTOO obtained favorable financing terms for this service expansion. The station’s Board of Directors said the project is a great investment in the long-term health of the station. For a minimal amount of capital, KTOO can offer three times the amount of service, and significantly increase the potential for revenue generation through grants, corporate support and listener contributions. To maximize the broadcaster’s facilities for greater community service and increased financial stability, the three stations will operate out of KTOO’s existing studios with minimal additional staff.

“This is a great business decision for the organization. We’re learning from the commercial stations in town that it is much more economical to run multiple stations than it is to manage just one,” explained KTOO Board Chair,
Benjamin Brown.

For more information on KTOO’s expansion plans, visit its website at www.ktoo.org. KTOO will use its website to keep listeners apprised of project developments.

About KTOO: KTOO is a community licensed public television and radio organization with a statewide mission of public service and a reputation for leadership and innovation. KTOO is part of the regional radio group CoastAlaska, Inc., the Alaska One statewide public television service and also operates a statewide cable television service similar to C-Span, as well as a full-service production house. It operates from radio and television facilities in downtown Juneau, Alaska, the state capital.

About KTOO-FM: KTOO-FM has been serving Juneau, Hoonah and Gustavus for more than 30 years with a mix of locally hosted and syndicated news, public affairs, entertainment and music programs. KTOO is the overall most-listened-to station in Juneau, reaching 11,400 adults, 12+, each week. (Monday - Sunday, 6am – midnight. Eastlan 2005).

About Public Radio Capital: Public Radio Capital’s (PRC) mission is to secure and expand the number of public radio stations in communities nationwide, so that people have greater program choices for in-depth information, unbiased news, diverse music, and cultural programming. In its role to broaden the reach of public radio, PRC is the industry’s leading advisor in planning, acquiring and funding new public radio channels. Since its founding in 2001, nonprofit PRC has secured nearly 30 stations for public radio in communities reaching over 22 million people as well as helped public broadcasters in many other cities prepare for expansion of service.