Ah, fidelity!
Colorado Public Radio’s OpenAir will begin broadcasting on 102.3 FM on Jan. 27. Since it debuted on 1340 AM and online three years ago, the goal was to evolve to an FM signal. Colorado Public Radio President Max Wycisk called this a “natural next step” in the signal’s evolution. “It meets an expressed listener need to strengthen the quality of the service while also making it more accessible across the Front Range,” he said in a statement.
From the start OpenAir was considered an internet radio station that just happened to have a tower and a weak AM signal. Now it will debut as an FM station, not just for those on computers.
An application has been filed with the FCC for the purchase of the FM signal from Front Range Sports Network, LLC for $5.75 million. Public Media Company represented CPR in the transaction. The purchase will be financed through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds, which is the same financing process CPR has followed for the past 15 years. Over time, the loan will be paid off by increased listener support.
This signal was formerly ESPN Radio Denver, which is moving to the less desirable 105.5 FM.
More to come.
