Release Date: 10 Sep 2004
PRC and KOSU: More programming for Tulsa and OKC
Public Radio Capital and nationally recognized award winning KOSU 91.7 FM "Oklahoma's Public Radio" announced a change in the ownership and programming of Ketchum, Oklahoma commercial station KGND 107.5 FM.
"PRC was established to help stations like KOSU expand its public service. Just as the Trust for Public Land steps in to buy a property to preserve land for public enjoyment, this was an opportunity to acquire a channel to provide an important public broadcasting service in Northeast Oklahoma."
Marc Hand
Managing Director
Public Radio Capital
PRC has entered into an agreement to acquire KGND, pending FCC approval. PRC has entered into a programming agreement with Oklahoma State University's (OSU) non-commercial station KOSU to program the channel with state and national news programming, specialty programs and classical music.
Craig Beeby, general manager of KOSU added, "We are thrilled our current listeners will hear us from Southwest of Oklahoma City to Northeast of Miami, Oklahoma and our programming will cover parts of four states and reach 4 million people in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri."
The sale is expected to close during the final quarter of this year and KOSU will begin non-commercial programming after PRC completes financing for the purchase and receives necessary approvals from the FCC.
"KOSU has attempted to serve the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas long distance with our one facility since 1971," says Beeby. "The station's ultimate goal is to improve service in all directions. The second station provides the opportunity to improve the signal strength into the major metro areas as well as many rural areas not served before by public radio or KOSU."
KOSU and PRC to boost signal strength
In another project, Public Radio Capital and KOSU are teaming up to improve the quality of signal serving the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
Beeby says, "We will improve our signal with a new broadcasting facility. This is in response to listeners in our fringe broadcast areas who for years have been requesting a stronger signal. The two stations will allow KOSU to become not only a statewide network but a regional resource. It's exciting for our listeners."
This second phase of expanded service is expected to launch in the Spring of 2005 after KOSU receives necessary approvals from the FCC and PRC completes construction.
About KOSU 91.7 FM
KOSU 91.7 FM is listener supported and owned and operated by OSU. KOSU is a public radio station serving Stillwater and the state since 1955.
As the first National Public Radio member station in Oklahoma, KOSU's mission is to provide quality programming from OSU to significant audiences as well as to be a vital source of information, ideas, and cultural experiences enriching people's lives through lifelong learning.
The station has a full-time State Capitol correspondent, is recognized nationally for news journalism excellence, and is known internationally for outstanding management.
KOSU programming can be heard on the web at www.kosu.org. Listeners with questions and comments may contact KOSU via email using kosu@kosu.org.
