Fort Smith Radio: 93.7 FM To Rebrand As ESPN Arkansas

Pearson Broadcasting of Northwest Arkansas has reached a definitive agreement with the Baker Family Trust to acquire the 93.7 FM frequency, which will be rebranded as ESPN Arkansas 93.7. The move will significantly expand ESPN Arkansas's reach across Northwest Arkansas and the greater River Valley. The current station, KISR (Kisser 93), will transition from 93.7 FM to 93.1 FM, continuing to serve the River Valley with its established local format.

93.7 FM (88 Kw)

The addition of the 88,000-watt signal will broaden ESPN Arkansas' coverage to include Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and parts of Eastern Oklahoma. Tommy Craft, General Manager of ESPN Arkansas, hailed the acquisition as a "game changer," anticipating increased listenership for its live and local sports talk programming, particularly University of Arkansas athletics.

Fred Baker, President of KISR and the station's founder over 55 years ago, stated the move aligns with KISR's original mission for local service, noting that an expanded signal had previously complicated maintaining a strictly local focus. He emphasized Pearson Broadcasting's commitment to local radio as a key factor in the partnership.

The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close early this summer. The Baker Family Trust operates six stations in the region, while Pearson Broadcasting Management Services oversees multiple outlets across Arkansas. Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented the Baker Family Trust in the deal.