As RBR+TVBR first reported on April 11, Cox Media Group is exiting the Houston market with its sale of Country KKBQ “93Q,” Classic Rock simulcast KHPT-FM & KGLK-FM “The Eagle” and Classic Country KTHT-FM 97.1 to Urban One.
To make the deal pass muster with FCC regulatory limits on local ownership, KROI-FM 92.1 in Seabrook, Tex., which is Black Gospel and branded as “Praise 92.1”; and KTHT, “Country Legends 97.1,” were transferred to the Sugarland Station Trust, led by Scott Knoblauch, who runs Spectrum Media.
On April 20, the trust agreed to sell KROI to Spanish Broadcasting System for $7.5 million. Now, a buyer has emerged for KTHT, and it may not be a surprise for many industry observers.
Educational Media Foundation, the parent of the Worship Music Air1 and Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) KLOVE networks, is agreeing to purchase KTHT-FM 97.1, licensed to Cleveland, Texas.
EMF will pay $3.1 million for the FM, a 100kw Class C rimshot reaching Houston’s northern suburbs such as the Woodlands and much of nearby Beaumont.
A $155,000 escrow deposit has been made and is being held by Spectrum Media.
What will EMF do with KTHT?
KLOVE is imminent, as its only home in the region is KXXF-FM 105.3 in Winnie, Tex., reported silent on Wednesday (7/26) by EMF due to “equipment failure” at the former “Free FM.” Even when in operation, KXXF does not reach the Houston market.
Once the deal is complete, EMF will begin a head-to-head battle for CCM listeners with stalwart KSBJ-FM, the Hope Media Group facility that regularly enjoys some of the biggest ratings in the market.
At present, KHJK-FM 103.7 in La Porte, Tex., is an Air1 affiliate serving Beaumont-Port Arthur and much of the same area of greater Houston as KTHT.
