Seattle public radio station KUOW(FM) is acquiring another area public radio station, KPLU(FM), based at Pacific Lutheran College.
A release said, “Although not finalized, the agreement calls for two stations: one for NPR and Northwest news at 94.9 FM [KUOW], and one for jazz music at 88.5 FM [KPLU]. The sale will bring together two stations that have collaborated for many years through the Northwest News Network, and through other fundraising and community events.”
KPLU has operated a jazz format.
The release said the price is $8 million — $7 million in cash and $1 million underwriting announcements over 10 years.
PLU President Thomas W. Krise said, “This is a natural union between two university-sponsored public radio stations that, for many years, have shared a common mission to inform, educate and entertain our region. We expect that the combined entity will have greater focus and resources to continue this shared mission through stories and music that move, inspire and expand horizons.
KUOW is licensed to the University of Washington, but has struck an independent course and is operated by a separate entity, KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio.
