“The end is near for KBYU-TV and Classical 89. A major overhaul is underway at BYU Broadcasting … to focus the organization fully on national aspirations embodied by the success of ‘Studio C’ and the ambition of ‘Extinct,’ BYUtv’s new science fiction show,” writes Tad Walch in Sunday’s (10/22) Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT). “KBYU-TV will drop … its entire PBS affiliation, and Classical 89 FM will pull the plug on its classical music format. The moves take effect June 30, 2018…. the KBYU call letters, in place for 52 years, will disappear.… [Michael Dunn, BYU Broadcasting’s new managing director] said the decisions were based on a brand study and talks with staff, industry professionals and consultants.… Last year, BYU Broadcasting reported that … Classical 89’s ratings ranked in the top five classical music stations in the nation for percentage of listeners in a market…. Dunn knew the decision to drop classical music would pain loyal Classical 89 listeners because he is one…. KUER [Salt Lake City] switched formats from classical music to news talk in 2007.”
Posted October 24, 2017
