(updated 9.16.09)
What is the name of the new station?
KXT, after the station’s call letters KKXT.
When will KXT begin broadcasting?
The new station’s launch date and time is scheduled for Monday, November 9 at 7:00 a.m. The first program on the air will be the KXT Morning Show, broadcast from the KXT studio.
What programming will be on KXT?
The KXT Morning, Afternoon and Evening shows will provide nine to eleven hours of weekday local programming. On Fridays, two hours of Texas Mix will be featuredat midday. KXT Weekend will air on Saturdays and Sundays, and The Paul Slavens Show on Sunday evening will move from KERA 90.1 FM to KXT 91.7. Details about local hosts, program features and special live performances developed in celebration of the station’s launch will be announced closer to the launch date.
• KXT Schedule (pdf)
• Share your comments at Art&Seek
The national public radio music programs selected for KXT complement the station’s own local productions and enhance the public service mission of KXT, which is to introduce, discuss and explore music that otherwise may not be heard on free radio.
The national programs are: Acoustic Café, American Routes, Mountain Stage, Putumayo World Music Hour, Sound Opinions, The Thistle & Shamrock, UnderCurrents and World Café.
What will the broadcast area be?
Basically the same as KERA 90.1 FM’s broadcast area that serves greater Dallas, Fort Worth and Denton.
Will the new station have a Web site?
KXT will have its own Web site, kxt.org. Playlists, live streaming, podcasts, program features, video and other interactive features will be just some of the offerings on the new site.
Why did KERA purchase this radio station?
KERA purchased 91.7 FM to extend its public broadcasting services for the people of North Texas. The acquisition is consistent with KERA’s mission and strategic direction to enhance its public radio, public television and online services for those who reside in the fourth largest population area in the country.
KXT will provide an amazing new service for North Texas not found elsewhere on free radio.
Why didn’t KERA just offer music on a HD channel?
HD radio content is currently received by such a limited number of radios that we would not be able to aggregate a sufficient audience to make it worthwhile. Terrestrial, or traditional, radio is a much better way for KERA to provide valuable, mission-related content to our community. We do realize that many listeners may want to listen to KXT via the Web, and we plan to make that possible right from the start.
Why did KERA purchase this station?
The greater Dallas and Fort Worth area has only three full-market FM non-commercial FCC licenses: KERA 90.1 FM, 91.7 FM, and one other. The availability of 91.7 FM was an extremely rare opportunity and one that would probably never be available again.
How much did the station cost?
$18 million.
Who made the decision to buy the station?
The decision to purchase the station was made in March 2009 by KERA’s Board of Directors and senior management. The Board’s Executive Committee, the Finance Committee and a special working group comprised of Board members were involved in the process every step of the way.
How can KERA afford to buy this station?
KERA prudently manages its finances which is a major reason why the station was able to secure independent financing.
The core infrastructure for the new station is basically in place: broadcasting equipment and technology, studio facilities, and the program and administrative staff.
A membership program will begin when the new station fully goes on the air, and we are approaching program sponsors.
How will it be paid for?
Very favorable terms were secured from nonprofit-focused lenders. The loans will be paid over time.
Was government stimulus package funding used to acquire this station?
Were any government funds used to purchase the station?
No.
Who did KERA buy the station from?
Covenant Educational Media, Inc.
How many new staff will be hired?
We are anticipating the addition of a few new staff positions.
Can I work at the new station?
Please check KERA's employment listings for postings of available positions.
About KERA
KERA is a not-for-profit public media organization that serves the people of North Texas. The station broadcasts to the fourth largest population area in the United States. KERA produces original multimedia content, carries the best in national and international public television and radio programs, and provides online resources at kera.org. The station’s extensive coverage of the arts can be found at artandseek.org. KERA TV broadcasts on digital channel 13.1 and KERA WORLD broadcasts on 13.2. KERA FM broadcasts on 90.1 in Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton, 88.3 in Wichita Falls, 100.1 in Tyler and 99.3 in Sherman. KERA’s new music station, KXT 91.7 FM will join the airwaves on November 9, 2009.
KERA was founded by local community leaders in 1957 based on core public service and education principles much like those subsequently reflected in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 that founded a national public broadcasting service:
- Public broadcasting is fundamentally a local institution, rooted in the social, educational and cultural fabric of hundreds of communities across the country.
- The programs and services of public broadcasting must be available to all Americans, regardless of their location or ability to pay.
- Lifelong education is the founding goal of public broadcasting and must be preserved.
- The non-commercial character of public broadcasting, as well as its editorial integrity and independence, are critical to its public service mission.
