St. Louis Radio: 88.1 FM Airs Short Preview of EMF's K-Love Format

This weekend, St. Louis-area listeners tuning into 88.1 FM, the frequency of community radio station KDHX, briefly heard Christian radio network K-LOVE’s programming. On Saturday morning, K-LOVE’s familiar Christian content replaced KDHX’s usual offerings, catching some off guard. By late afternoon, KDHX resumed its regular lineup, spinning 1970s secular tracks from bands like Iron Butterfly and Quicksilver Messenger Service.

K-LOVE, based in Nashville, is negotiating to purchase KDHX’s broadcast license and tower following the local station’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year. The nonprofit Double Helix Corporation, which operates KDHX, has agreed to sell to the national chain for at least $4.35 million, pending approval from a bankruptcy judge. Creditors still have an opportunity to challenge the deal. It remains unclear why K-LOVE’s programming aired prematurely, and KDHX representatives were unavailable for comment.

K-LOVE, which owns hundreds of stations nationwide, contrasts with KDHX, a listener-supported outlet known for decades of eclectic, volunteer-curated music across numerous genres. KDHX’s fortunes shifted after 2023 controversies saw station leaders fire some volunteer DJs, prompting others to quit. Earlier this year, the station cut all remaining volunteer DJs and ceased live broadcasts, relying instead on pre-recorded shows.