Clear Channel/Austin Flips KFMK, KPEZ Frequencies

Austin Switch

CLEAR CHANNEL is flipping the formats of two stations within its AUSTIN cluster. Top 40/Rhythmic KFMK (THE BEAT) and Contemporary Christian KPEZ (THE RIVER) will switch formats beginning at midnight MONDAY, MAY 31st; THE BEAT will be heard on 102.3, while THE RIVER will switch over to 105.9.

The company called the switch "a proactive business move to feature the mainstream, advertiser-friendly Hip-Hop format on a stronger signal that can better serve its larger audience at 102.3FM, which broadcasts at 25,000 watts."

"Since we launched THE BEAT back in SEPTEMBER of 2009, we have seen a tremendous audience response as evidenced by the WINTER ARBITRON ratings, where the station dominated in the #1 position 18-34," CLEAR CHANNEL/AUSTIN VP/Market Manager PAMELA MCKAY said. "The AUSTIN market is clearly responding to the Rhythmic format. Moving THE BEAT to our stronger signal makes sense for listeners, advertisers and the community."

KFMK, by the way, has resided in an "Aloha Trust" along with other broadcast properties as a station for sale as part of CLEAR CHANNEL's merger with private equity partners BAIN CAPITAL and T.H. LEE. CLEAR CHANNEL will continue to operate KFMK during negotiations that may lead to the eventual purchase of the station, and THE RIVER will retain its positive, family-friendly format.

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