Classical station KBYU-FM in Provo, Utah, will remain on the air after its owner Brigham Young University dropped plans to change its format.
In October, BYU Broadcasting announced that it would replace classical music on KBYU with BYUradio, a variety format of talk, education and public affairs. Listeners protested the decision at a university meeting and through a Change.org petition that gathered more than 13,000 signatures.
BYU Broadcasting announced Thursday that it has purchased KUMT 107.9 FM in Randolph from pubcaster Community Wireless of Park City to air the BYUradio format. It will keep classical on KBYU.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
BYU Broadcasting made the change after a “strategic review” of BYUradio’s “nationwide broadcast and digital channels and seeking a way to keep classical music in Utah” based on listener feedback, according to a press release.
“I am just thrilled for what this means to our thousands of ardent Classical 89 fans we have in this market,” said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYU Broadcasting, adding that the acquisition is “a win-win for all.”
The purchase is pending FCC approval.