Denver Radio: KKFN Facing Uncertain Future

KKFN 104.3 FM The Fan could be off the broadcasting dial after a recent corporate radio transactionm, according to columnist Dusty Saunders at The Denver Post.

The Fan was one of the local radio properties sold by the Lincoln Financial Group to Entercom, a media giant (100 stations in 23 markets). Entercom paid $105.5 million for all 15 Lincoln Financial Group properties in Denver, Miami, San Diego and Atlanta.

Entercom, which already operates three FM stations in the Denver market, is scheduled to take over the Lincoln Financial Group properties Jan. 16 under a sales marketing agreement, pending Federal Communications Commission approval of the purchase later this year.

But under FCC regulations, a broadcasting organization is allowed to own only five FM outlets in a radio market.

Therefore, Saunders writes The Fan, a steady ratings performer in audience reports, could be spun off by Entercom.

KKFN 104.3 FM (91 Kw) 60dBu Coverage Area

Entercom's three FM music stations in the Denver market are KQMT 99.5 FM, KOSI 101.1 FM and KALC 105.9 FM. In addition to The Fan, Lincoln Financial has been operating two FM music outlets: KYGO 98.5 FM and KQKS 107.5 FM.

The Fan is the most expensive to operate of the acquired FM properties because of overhead — salaries for talk-show talent and reporters, live presence on the local scene and contracts with several sports leagues for play-by-play coverage.

Under FCC regulations, The Fan could be operated briefly under a "third part radio trust" until a buyer is found. Thus, the 104.3 FM sports format could remain for several weeks, even months.

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