BYU TV & radio operations announce changes

BYU Broadcasting has announced changes to its TV and radio operations, effective in mid-2018.

The TV operations — BYUtv, KBYU Channel 11 and BYUtv International — will be consolidated into a single nationwide television network. The radio operation changes include consolidating BYUradio, available on SiriusXM satellite radio, and KBYU-FM/Classical 89 into a single radio network.

The moves take effect June 30, 2018, after which BYU Broadcasting will focus all its resources and attention on two closely correlated, multiplatform products: BYUtv and BYUradio.

{mprestriction ids="1,3"}Currently, KBYU 11 is available in HD across all platforms, including over-the-air and on cable and satellite. BYUtv is available only in HD on some of those platforms. The change means that BYUtv will enjoy full HD availability on all platforms across Utah through KBYU’s broadcasting license.

The changes mean KBYU 11 will no longer be a member station of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

“KBYU 11 has long been a proud member station of PBS. But as such, our schedule has been duplicative of KUED, the PBS member station at the University of Utah,” said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYU Broadcasting. “By consolidating our services, we will be able to focus all our attention on creating and offering new original programming for both Utah and our growing nationwide audiences on BYUtv.

“We have valued our relationship with KUED and appreciate that PBS fare will continue to be enjoyed across Utah through KUED. We look forward to continued collaboration with KUED and other PBS member stations on original content opportunities in the future.”

As for the radio changes, Classical 89, heard over-the-air in Utah at 89.1 and 89.5 on the FM dial, will become BYUradio, which has been available on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, on the Internet and through various digital platforms. BYUradio will continue to offer its current mixed format of live, locally hosted talk, public affairs, educational and classical music programming.

BYU Broadcasting said it will continue to invest in and expand its Spanish-language content for audiences throughout Latin America, as well as domestically in the United States. BYUtv International, which had limited distribution across Latin America, will discontinue over-the-air, satellite and cable broadcasts. This will enable BYU Broadcasting to further invest in international content available over its state-of-the-art streaming services offered at BYUtv.com, the company said.

“These changes will allow BYU Broadcasting to streamline and utilize all employees and internal resource services for two media portals instead of five,” the company said, adding that the change will not require a reduction in force.

“BYU Broadcasting will continue to emphasize original, values-oriented, family content on BYUtv and BYUradio,” Dunn said. “this consolidation of services will allow our organization to focus, simplify and unify the future of our media portals. At the same time, we will also be able to offer the Utah market comprehensive HD access to these major investments in content, including more than 500 hours annually of live HD collegiate sports programming.”

BYU’s original programming includes “Studio C,” “Granite Flats,” “Random Acts,” “American Ride” and “Story Trek,” plus original music specials, feature films, docudramas and sports programming.

BYUradio has continued to grow its nationwide audience on satellite radio by offering more than 3,000 hours of original content each year, including unprecedented growth in podcasts. BYUtv is the only national network originating from Utah and creates more original entertainment and live sports content than any other channel in Utah. Likewise, BYUradio is the only Utah-based radio service available nationwide on SiriusXM. 

Owned by Brigham Young University, BYU Broadcasting operates BYUtv and BYUradio from its production studios and distribution facility in Provo.{/mprestriction}