New Orleans Public Radio will swap news and entertainment for all-classical programming on KTLN, its station in the Houma-Thibodaux area.
The format change goes into effect Tuesday. KTLN 90.5 FM currently airs a simulcast of news and entertainment programming from WWNO 89.9 FM, the organization’s flagship signal originating from New Orleans.
“We’ve heard from many listeners about how much you value the inspiring and rejuvenating respite of classical music, sometimes as a compliment to the news programs on 89.9, and other times as the constant companion playing in the background throughout your entire day,” the organization said in a news release Thursday.
New Orleans Public Radio airs 24-hour classical programming on 104.9 FM and WWNO HD2.
The public broadcaster purchased KTLN because its 89.9 signal wasn’t strong enough to reach listeners in Houma and Thibodaux, communities located less than 60 miles southwest of New Orleans. A power boost to WWNO’s 89.9 signal extended its reach into the area, but the change created duplication in its broadcast programming to the region.
“Step-by-step, New Orleans Public Radio is creating a network of small stations to extend the reach of the classical music schedule now heard on Classical 104.9 FM,” the station said in the release.