A popular local radio station will be sold as WNED announced this week that it will pay the University of Buffalo $4 million to purchase licenses to operate WBFO, FM 88.7 radio.
Under the agreement, WNED will pay UB $4 million for the licenses to operate WBFO and two stations serving the Southern Tier: WUBJ-FM 88.1 in Jamestown and WOLN-FM 91.3 in Olean, according to a statement issued this week.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to create a more efficient service to the community and offer a more comprehensive program schedule,” Donald K. Boswell, WNED’s president and CEO, said. “These two big names in public radio are joining forces.”
According to the broadcaster, the agreement resulted from months of strategic discussions on how to strengthen public radio and make better use of the donations it relies on.
According to information accompanying the release, WBFO is the largest provider of NPR news and information in the region, with more than 90,000 weekly listeners.
The agreement is touted for allowing the station to continue to provide a full lineup of NPR programs in addition to “the well-known and established journalistic offerings of WNED AM 970.”
“Together, these services will offer a combined public media newsroom, improved digital and online resources for users, and embody a new, shared public journalism that will enhance civic engagement,” the press release states.
WBFO-FM was founded in 1959 by a group of students and faculty members at the then-private University of Buffalo. It was also one of the charter founding members of National Public Radio in 1970.
UB will use the proceeds of the sale to provide student scholarships and support for faculty research.
Local News
July 31, 2011
WNED to operate WBFO
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