BYU buys station, saves classical format

In October, BYU Broadcasting caused ripples among classical music lovers along the Wasatch Front when it announced the “consolidation” of its radio format by moving the SiriusXM-exclusive BYUradio to a simulcast on its KBYU-FM radio dial spot, eliminating the classical format. June 30 was announced as the date that KBYU-FM would disappear and fans of the format raised a stink — especially on social media.

{mprestriction ids="1,3"}Now that won’t happen. BYU apparently heard the cries of its listeners. In an announcement on April 26, BYU Broadcasting announced the purchase of KUMT-FM 107.9, an 89-kilowatt slot licensed to Randolph in Rich County and owned by Community Wireless of Park City, which also owns and operates KPCW in the Park City area. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

In a release, BYU Broadcasting explained, “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. The strategic decision by BYU Broadcasting to enter into a purchase agreement with KUMT-FM in early April will preserve an over-the-air classical music station in Utah and allow Classical 89 to continue to operate on its current frequency at 89.1 and 89.5 on the FM dial.” The pending purchase is subject to technical compliance and FCC approval, BYU said.

“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. “And I am just thrilled for what this means to our thousands of ardent Classical 89 fans we have in this market. This acquisition is truly a win-win for all.”

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, the school said. BYUradio is the only Utah-based radio service available nationwide on SiriusXM. BYUradio is a 24/7 non-commercial radio with a mixed format of live-hosted talk, entertainment, public affairs and classical music programming and includes hundreds of hours of live collegiate sports broadcasts.

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

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