Providence Radio: EFM To Acquire WBRU

Brown University's non-com WBRU 95.5 FM plans to file an application early next week to transfer its license to the Educational Media Foundation (EMF), WBRU spokesman Art Norwalk told Eyewitness News on Friday night. EMF is a California-based nonprofit that broadcasts Christian adult-contemporary music.

On its website, EMF describes its mission as to “create compelling media that inspires and encourages you to have a meaningful relationship with Christ.”

The news was first reported by the website RadioInsight, which said the alt-rock station will be turned into an affiliate of EMF’s “K-Love” network starting around Sept. 1. Norwalk said 95.5’s programming will continue on its website, WBRU.com.

K-Love alrerady currently airs on two stations in the region, Providence-licensed WTKL 104.7 FM and New Bedford-licensed WMAN 91.1 FM.

The change of hands comes just over a month after WBRU announced its signal was up for sale. WBRU’s general manager, Kishane Haththotuwegama, has cited decreasing revenue as one of the reasons for the sale.

WBRU 95.5 FM (26 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

WBRU has been broadcasting over the FM airwaves since 1966 and is currently owned by a nonprofit, Brown Broadcasting Service Inc. The station grossed $1.05 million in revenue in 2016, according to a document provided to prospective buyers.