Denver Radio: CPR To Acquire KDSP 102.3 FM ESPN

OpenAir, Colorado Public Radio's channel for popular music, is going FM. Since it launched in October 2011, OpenAir has broadcast in monaural on the AM band at 1340.

On Jan. 27, the station will be heard on 102.3 FM in stereo, according to the Denver Business Journal.

CPR said the change will "significantly improve" audio quality in the Boulder area as well as metro Denver.

"This is the natural next step for OpenAir's evolution," said CPR President Max Wycisk. "It meets an expressed listener need to strengthen the quality of the service while also making it more accessible across the Front Range."

OpenAir also will keep its 1340-AM frequency, and is streamed online at openaircpr.org.

The FM frequency has been used by sports channel KDSP 102.3 FM/ESPN. CPR said it has filed with the Federal Communications Commission to buy the signal from Front Range Sports Network LLC for $5.75 million.

KDSP 102.3 FM (1 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

The nonprofit broadcaster said it will finance the purchase by issuing tax-exempt bonds to be paid off "by increased listener support."

KJAC 105.5 FM (50 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

As for ESPN Sports..it's already available on the less desirable rimshot KJAC 105.5 FM.