Over the last decade, stories of institutions of higher learning opting to discontinue their student-run radio stations have permeated the industry. Now, in a rare sign that a school wishes to give more broadcast coverage to a student-run FM, the University of Oregon is agreeing to purchase an FM that will serve as a second signal for KWVA-FM.
Silent KOCR-FM 91.5 in Oakridge, Ore., a Class A noncommercial FM serving the community to the southeast of Eugene, Ore., is poised to become a rebroadcast partner of KWVA — a 1kw FM at 88.1 MHz in Eugene-Springfield that cannot be heard in Oakridge.
UOregon is paying $5 to Oakridge Community Radio to save the facility.
Representing the seller is broadcast consultant Todd Urick.
For UOregon, it is KWVA General Manager Charlotte Allen signing off on the acquisition paperwork, signaling KOCR’s alignment with the free-form Progressive Rock station.
UOregon also owns full-power FMs KWAX-FM in Eugene, and simulcast partners KWRX in Redmond and KWVZ in Florence. All air “Classical Oregon.”
KWAX has a city-grade signal in Oakridge.
