16 January 2008
COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO TO ACQUIRE 88.1 FM IN DENVER
KVOD classical music and KCFR news will both air on FM
(CENTENNIAL, Colo.) Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has announced plans to purchase
88.1 FM in Denver from EMF Broadcasting of Rocklin, CA. Upon Federal
Communications Commission approval of the ownership transfer, CPR will provide
KVOD classical music programming on 88.1 FM, and KCFR news and information on
90.1 FM. The change is expected to take effect this spring.
The proposed purchase would mark the completion of CPR's seven-year quest to
provide the greatest possible service by delivering both of its programming formats
on FM in the metro area. The Colorado Public Radio board of directors is evaluating
two different proposals for financing the transaction. Purchase price is $8.2 million.
EMF Broadcasting currently simulcasts K-LOVE Christian programming on 88.1 FM
and 91.1 FM. The 91.1 frequency will not be affected by the CPR transaction, and
will continue to carry K-LOVE programming.
CPR is represented in the transaction by Public Radio Capital, a Denver nonprofit
organization that helps public radio stations nationwide plan, acquire and finance
new channels.
"CPR is very excited about this opportunity to serve the metro area with two FM
stations," said CPR President Max Wycisk. "This will be good news for all our
listeners, supporters, and the communities we serve. KCFR will be able to deliver
national, international, and expanded state news to a wider audience on 90.1 FM,
and KVOD will continue to serve classical music listeners with a clear FM signal on
88.1."
Currently, KCFR's in-depth news is available on 1340 AM in Denver; KVOD classical
music is carried on 90.1 FM. CPR is offering its 1340 AM frequency for sale.
Wycisk explained that while both FM signals cover the metro area well, 90.1 reaches
further and penetrates better than 88.1.
"Based on community needs, CPR's board has made news and information our
service priority, while maintaining our historical commitment to classical music," he
said. "The planned new locations for KCFR and KVOD reflect that focus. We
appreciate that people will have to change their listening habits, and we'll do
everything we can to make it a smooth transition for them."
About Colorado Public Radio
Colorado Public Radio's statewide two-channel network reaches more than 85% of
the state's population. About 350,000 people listen every week (source: Arbitron,
Fall 2006/Spring 2007), and more than 90% of Colorado Public Radio's operating
funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses and foundations.
KCFR In-Depth News is currently heard on: 1340 AM in Denver, 1490 AM in Boulder,
1230 AM in Pueblo, 89.5 FM in Grand Junction, 88.3 FM in Montrose, and 88.3 FM in
Craig, and online at www.kcfr.org.
KVOD Classical Music is currently heard on: 90.1 FM in Denver, 91.9 FM in Pueblo,
94.7 FM in Colorado Springs, 89.9 FM in Vail, 90.5 FM in Glenwood Springs, 103.3
FM along the Western Slope, and online at www.kvod.org. KCFR News and KVOD
Classical Music are now available on HD Radio in Denver, Boulder, and Vail.
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. 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 and before this Denver acquisition, nonprofit
PRC has completed over $130 million in transactions, providing public radio services
for over 28 million people, as well as helped public broadcasters in many other cities
prepare for expansion of service.
