Tyler/Longview: ERFET to purchase ETRM cluster

[TXRadioJunkie]

Education Radio Foundation of East Texas has entered into an agreement to purchase the East Texas cluster of stations from East Texas Results Media for $800,000. The four-station cluster includes KZXM/Bullard (94.3), KFRO-FM/Gilmer (95.3), KLJT/Jacksonville (102.3) and KMPA/Pittsburg (103.1).

ERFET filed a simultaneous application to convert each of these stations to NCE status upon consummation of the sale and transfer.

Alongside KVNE/Tyler (89.5) and KGLY/Tyler (91.3), this will make a six-station cluster for ERFET.

Will be interesting to see what ERFET does format-wise with their new acquisitions.

https://www.rbr.com/a-fun-little-deal-goes-down-in-east-texas/

 

[Chuck]

I believe the intent is to launch a Spanish language version of their current programming.

 

[TXRadioJunkie]

I believe the intent is to launch a Spanish language version of their current programming.

Interesting.

Makes me now curious to see if the all four signals will carry the same programming or if there will be some niche programming.

 

[Chuck]

Interesting.

Makes me now curious to see if the all four signals will carry the same programming or if there will be some niche programming.

I don't know, I've been in their new studio building, which is amazing. There are three identical digital control rooms with SAS digital consoles. Two are being used for their current stations, so I'm guessing that the third control room will be for their new format. As I recall, I think they also have four production studios, which could probably used as air studios if they really needed to. As far as I can tell it is the most modern and best equipped radio cluster in East Texas, and maybe even in the whole state. The donations must be pretty good...

 

[TXRadioJunkie]

I don't know, I've been in their new studio building, which is amazing. There are three identical digital control rooms with SAS digital consoles. Two are being used for their current stations, so I'm guessing that the third control room will be for their new format. As I recall, I think they also have four production studios, which could probably used as air studios if they really needed to. As far as I can tell it is the most modern and best equipped radio cluster in East Texas, and maybe even in the whole state. The donations must be pretty good...

I totally agree...the new facility is stunning. It's a far cry from the previous location. In fact, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't want to do one more airshift at the new studios. I spent five years on-air from East Erwin and while it was nice, it doesn't hold a candle to Old Jacksonville.

I believe you are correct on the four production studios.

As for financial support, I would agree with you on that. ERFET has always been good a making and keeping relationships with her donors. Seems to me that has taken a step or two up over the past few years. Regardless of what is happening, I'm glad to see it.

I also noticed ETRM is getting around to filing Silent STAs for the cluster. Interestingly, they were filed thirty days or more after they were taken silent. The STA requests offer an apology for the late filing due to an "oversight". Hmmm....

 

[cotton belt]

To update this thread, all 4 facilities have returned to the air under the guidance of ERFET. KLJT and KMPA are now paired together in simulcast as "Fuzion 102.3 - 103.1". Launched on Friday January 17, 2020 at 7:00 pm, it has the sound of a Spanish language version of Worship formatted "Lift 91.3" KGLY. Not quite as upbeat as the main KVNE, and no on air personalities as of yet. Spanish Christian artist Blanca performed a live show at the Lanes Chapel United Methodist Church on Old J'ville Hwy to launch the format.

That leaves the other two halves of the former Waller 4 pack paired together as Bible teaching and sermon formatted "The Well 94.3 | 95.3". Launched on April 20, 2020 at 6:00 am, and is apparently all spoken word. Since launch, I have yet to hear any musical presentation on "The Well".

Of note, the 95.3 signal sounds a hair stronger in this part of Smith County after the move to a new leased tower. Also noted that ERFET is incorrectly identifying the Gilmer facility, leaving out the FM suffix. Current top of hour is "KZXM 94.3 Bullard-Tyler, KFRO 95.3 Gilmer-Longview". KZXM is in stereo, as it has been since Dudley Waller signed it on, but I am no longer receiving a stereo indicator for 95.3 at my QTH, although it was in stereo as its previous incarnation "Fun Radio".

 

[Chuck]

KFRO-FM?

Shouldn't they be identifying 95.3 signal as KFRO-FM? There is another KFRO in Longview. It is AM. Just like the FM, it was once a part of the Waller group and before that owned by the Curtis family. It's on the air, although doesn't seem to be doing much these days.

 

[cotton belt]

Shouldn't they be identifying 95.3 signal as KFRO-FM? There is another KFRO in Longview. It is AM. Just like the FM, it was once a part of the Waller group and before that owned by the Curtis family. It's on the air, although doesn't seem to be doing much these days.

Yes, they should. The Coates-Huckabee group had corrected the identification, after years of it being stated incorrectly. Looks like we're back to square one. I contacted the Foundation a couple weeks back, but it appears to be a non-issue to them. Read that as there has been no response.

Speaking of the Longview AM, I was up in East Mountain Thursday. Heard 1370 broadcasting in stereo! I wonder if Scottie Rice dusted off the old "Power Rock" and had it rebirthed? A little strange to hear "The Voice of Longview" broadcasting talk programming in full blown stereo. I have personally never heard of this "Galaxy Nostalgia Network" service RCA is using for the programming. I can confirm that Scottie Rice has stumbled upon the cure for insomnia. I am in my 50's, and was literally falling asleep at the wheel. Who on earth is he trying to serve? Perhaps the answer is those that lie six feet within it.