KC Board approves sale of college’s radio station

Upon recommendation from college administrators Thursday night, the Kilgore College Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favor of authorizing KC President Dr. Bill Holda to complete negotiations and execute necessary documents for the sale and transfer of the FCC broadcast license and related equipment of KTPB 88.7 FM, the college’s radio station.

With a purchase price listed at $2 million, the sale is to Educational Media Foundation Broadcasting (EMF), a California-based Christian radio broadcasting company that distributes content across the United States to two major Christian music networks, K-LOVE and Air 1. As of October 2005, K-LOVE operated more than 250 transmitters while Air 1 ran approximately 90 with outlets ranging from broadcast translators full-power stations.

EMF is also responsible for the publishing and distribution of Christian Music Planet, a magazine devoted to Christian musical artists and songs.

Once approved by both parties, the asset purchase agreement will be filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a 60-day period, a portion of which is for public comment and review, after which the FCC must approve the transaction.

The $2-million sale – which includes the FCC license to use the 88.7 FM frequency, the station’s tower and transmission equipment – is anticipated to be approved sometime this summer. With interest on the purchase price paid out at 5.25 percent over a 10-year period, total revenue generated will be $2.46 million.

Over the course of the radio station’s 15-year existence, KC has supported KTPB radio as a public service of the college. Upon its founding, the station served as an instructional lab for the college’s broadcasting program which was discontinued in 1995. KC has also seen its revenue diminish greatly in the form of state support for instruction since 1990.

“KTPB has been a great resource for the arts community in East Texas,” Holda said. “I truly regret losing this wonderful asset. However, under the terms of the transaction, the proceeds of the sale plus the additional annual subsidy for the station will amount to a positive financial impact of $3.7 million for Kilgore College over the next 10 years. As good stewards who have a responsibility to our local taxpayers and students, the KC Board believed that they had to give this offer serious consideration.”

Holda noted the college’s appreciation for those who helped support KTPB’s past endeavors.

“Many of the dedicated members who have supported this station faithfully during the past 15 years helped us continue to offer public radio to this region,” he said. “We are grateful for the support they gave us to help sustain the station.”

The college anticipates providing public radio to the community until the transaction is complete.


Kilgore College
Public Information Office
Contact: Chris Moore
(903) 983-8181
cmoore@kilgore.edu