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BYU Broadcasting Tweaks Plan, Acquires Another FM

Change will keep Classical 89 on the air

BYU Broadcasting said its acquisition of another FM station and several boosters will allow it to broadcast its BYUradio programming in Utah while retaining a popular classical format on the air. It plans to purchase KUMT from Community Wireless of Park City; terms were not disclosed.

“This fall, in an effort to simplify and consolidate its operations, BYU Broadcasting announced plans to focus all of its efforts around the development of two broadcast properties, BYUtv and BYUradio,” it recounted in the announcement; BYUradio, heard on SiriusXM, and Classical 89/KBYU-FM were to become a single radio network, BYUradio.

“However, following a thorough strategic review of its nationwide broadcast and digital channels and seeking a way to keep classical music in Utah based upon listeners feedback, BYU Broadcasting became aware that KUMT(FM), which provided a coverage footprint that included most of the Wasatch Front, was up for sale,” it continued.

It said the decision to acquire KUMT, which airs at 107.9 but has four boosters in other communities, will allow Classical 89 to continue to operate on 89.1 and 89.5 MHz.

“BYUradio will offer its current mixed format of talk, public affairs and education in Utah on the following transmitting boosters: 107.9 KUMT-FM1 (Salt Lake City); 107.9 KUMT-FM2 (Ogden); 107.9 KUMT-FM4 (Bountiful); 107.9 KUMT-FM5 (Provo); and 107.9 in the Northeast Utah area (Randolph).”

It noted that the purchase is subject to technical compliance and FCC approval.

[Related: “BYU Opens New Radio/TV Facility,” 2011]

Community Wireless of Park City had acquired KUMT only in April 2016, according to its website. Broadway Media had donated it then as part of a transaction in which Community Wireless gave Broadway its 91.9 FM frequency in Summit County.

“We are delighted that we can now showcase our national radio product right here along the Wasatch Front,” said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYU Broadcasting.

BYU Broadcasting is owned by Brigham Young University. It has offerings via OTA television and radio, cable and satellite, as well as streaming and podcasts via various platforms.

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