“Houston Public Media, which operates the University of Houston’s broadcasting properties, says it will sell the frequency and transmitter for KUHA (91.7 FM) while retaining the station’s classical music format via online streaming and an HD Radio subchannel of KUHF (88.7 FM),” reports David Barron in the Houston Chronicle on Friday, August 21. “Lisa Shumate, general manager of Houston Public Media, said the decision to sell … reflected the organization’s need to focus on ‘the best piece of technology and the best use of donor funds. We are already in HD and are streaming (with the classical music format),’ Shumate said. ‘Why would you pay for another transmitter and tower when if you take the time you can tell the public how they can get better sound using (HD Radio) at 88.7?’ … HD Radio is the trademark for a digital technology that allows AM and FM radio stations to transmit audio and text in addition to analog signals and to transmit multiple program streams at the same frequency. Shumate said the move was ‘a strategy decision, not a “we don’t have the money” decision. … Classical music lovers are very passionate and have been very supportive.’ ”
Posted August 31, 2015
