Orlando Radio: Non-Com WMFE To Acquire WKSG

Non-Com WMFE 90.7 FM is going to reach more Central Florida listeners by purchasing WKSG 89.5 FM and forming a network. The programming will go to The Villages as well as more of Lake, Volusia, Marion and Sumter counties that have not had access to public radio news and programs.

According to The Orlando Sentinel, the station said it has an agreement with Daystar Public Radio Inc. to buy the license for WKSG. Cedar Creek is the city of license for the station, but WKSG rents a studio in downtown Ocala, and WMFE said it has not decided if it will assume that lease.

The revamped station will have its own identity and own call letters, but WMFE has not determined programming in the new coverage area. WMFE said it is open to a mixed format of news and music for its new station but still has a lot of research to do. WMFE asked listeners for suggestions about new programming by emailing wmfe@wmfe.org.

WMFE is also buying WKSG’s broadcast tower, with the station’s antenna, and the 14.45 acres on which the tower sits in Silver Springs.

WMFE said the sales price for everything is $900,000.

The money will come from proceeds of the 2012 sale of WMFE-TV, formerly Orlando’s PBS station, to the University of Central Florida, as well as major gifts from 90.7 supporters.

WKSG 89.5 FM (22 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“The new station allows us to expand the footprint of our public service journalism,” LaFontaine Oliver, president & general manager of 90.7 WMFE, wrote to listeners. “Forming this network will also make us stronger and more sustainable, as we are able to spread our existing costs over two systems.”

WMFE said it expects to replace the current programming on WKSG early next year.