Colorado Radio: Public Media Considers Merging

Community Radio for Northern Colorado (KUNC 91.5 Fort Collins; The Colorado Sound on KJAC 105.5 Denver and translators) is exploring a merger with Denver-based Rocky Mountain Public Media (KUVO 89.3, The Drop 104.7 KUVO-HD2), with parties aiming to finalize a deal by the end of June, sources told BizWest.

Staff have been told no jobs will be cut, though business operations are likely to shift to Denver, and the organizations are undertaking due diligence before moving forward.

The talks follow funding pressures across public broadcasting after Congress cut Corporation for Public Broadcasting support. KUNC — which had received nearly $453,000 annually from CPB — laid off 10 employees (about 25% of its 38-person staff) last September.

CRNC President and CEO Tammy Terwelp said the merger would deepen service to Northern Colorado and strengthen public media resilience, while RMPM CEO Amanda Mountain said the consolidation would expand public trust and connections across Colorado.

Separately, the Bohemian Foundation pledged a new $3.5 million, state-of-the-art facility for CRNC in downtown Fort Collins, including upgraded technology, new studios and a community gathering space under a no-cost 10-year lease.

Officials say listeners should notice no immediate changes while the organizations complete due diligence and firm up operational details.