Pacifica's NYC problems and KPFT

[Mediafrog+]

Check the NYC board for some interesting discussion about Pacifica's WBAI, which might be on its last legs.

Have to wonder about the financial health of KPFT. Would the WBAI issues drag down the entire group?

Doubt it will happen anytime soon, but a closedown/sale of KPFT would open the door for some interesting possibilities. Would KSBJ go after it for NGEN? Or one of the religious satellite networks?

 

[purpledevil]

That's certainly an interesting question. KPFT has the largest reach of any of the Houston signals and would be a heck of an acquisition for someone. Didn't know Pacifica was having problems, but I'd imagine KSBJ and others would be eager to have the opportunity to get 90.1. I'd think it'd be a great signal for Classical 91.7, that is if the Univ. of Houston were interested.

 

[uncamark]

That's certainly an interesting question. KPFT has the largest reach of any of the Houston signals and would be a heck of an acquisition for someone. Didn't know Pacifica was having problems, but I'd imagine KSBJ and others would be eager to have the opportunity to get 90.1. I'd think it'd be a great signal for Classical 91.7, that is if the Univ. of Houston were interested.

If KUHA was moved to 90.1, would the Rice kids demand that 91.7 come back to them?

 

[johndavis]

This isn't the first time that the death of Pacifica has been predicted. They've found ways to keep things going before. But much like my homeowners association, it's a lot like herding cats.

 

[purpledevil]

That's certainly an interesting question. KPFT has the largest reach of any of the Houston signals and would be a heck of an acquisition for someone. Didn't know Pacifica was having problems, but I'd imagine KSBJ and others would be eager to have the opportunity to get 90.1. I'd think it'd be a great signal for Classical 91.7, that is if the Univ. of Houston were interested.

If KUHA was moved to 90.1, would the Rice kids demand that 91.7 come back to them?

All it takes it enough money, and the "Rice kids" could have it back. The real question is how much would each listener have to donate to reacquire the station, given that KTRU probably had about 10 listeners total at the time U of H purchased it?

 

[BarryATL]

I have been following the NYC thread on WBAI. CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) is withholding all funds right now due to accounting issues and the failure to correct them. The national organization apparently is broke. I don't know what that means for the other stations, but something has happen soon.

In NYC they have to keep paying the Empire State Building $50,000.00 per month for rent whether they have a staff or not. Right now they do not have the money to make payroll or pay ESB rent.

 

[JustinT]

That's certainly an interesting question. KPFT has the largest reach of any of the Houston signals and would be a heck of an acquisition for someone. Didn't know Pacifica was having problems, but I'd imagine KSBJ and others would be eager to have the opportunity to get 90.1. I'd think it'd be a great signal for Classical 91.7, that is if the Univ. of Houston were interested.

Or what about KHCB moving down the dial and selling 105.7 for commercial use?

 

[rbrucecarter5]

Or what about KHCB moving down the dial and selling 105.7 for commercial use?

ICK - NO! Anti-Christian rock music rants aren't my cup of tea. I'd hope KSBJ would buy it and use it for NGEN. But what they would probably do if they got hold of it is put their main signal on 90.1 and relegate NGEN to 89.3.

Of course - my second choice would be classical on 90.1. Houston deserves a first rate classical FM with decent coverage, like Dallas has with WRR.

 

[OldChicago]

In NYC they have to keep paying the Empire State Building $50,000.00 per month for rent whether they have a staff or not. Right now they do not have the money to make payroll or pay ESB rent.

HMMMMM.....perhaps they could work out a deal. Since WBAI is a part of a non-profit Corp, the ESB could donate the tower/xmtr room space and take a $50,000 monthly tax deduction.


Old Chicago