LAS VEGAS — An alternative radio station that led to the demise of “103.5 The Edge” upon its flip from Classic Rock KFBI in the 1990s, once owned by CBS Radio, will soon become a part of Beasley Media Group’s cluster of stations in Las Vegas.
KXTE-FM 107.5 will come to the company, owner of KVGS-FM 102.7, KCYE-FM 107.5, KKLZ-FM 96.3 and KOAS-FM 105.7, in exchange of News/Talk KDWN-AM 720 and its powerful FM translator at 101.5 MHz, which has a transmitter atop the Stratosphere Tower.
The deal includes KXTE morning hosts Dave and Mahoney, who will continue to be heard on KXTE from 6am-10am.
“The asset exchange highlights Beasley’s focus on premium local programming and content and is complementary to the company’s four other radio stations and digital operations in Las Vegas,” Beasley said upon making the announcement at 5pm Pacific on Thursday.
Las Vegas is market No. 31 according to Nielsen Audio.
Caroline Beasley, the Beasley Media Group CEO, said, “Throughout Beasley Broadcast Group’s 61-year history, we have actively managed our station portfolio with the goal of serving the communities where we operate with the best local programming and brands, diversifying our operations, managing risk and improving financial results. The agreement to exchange KDWN AM/FM translator for KXTE-FM addresses all of these strategic objectives and upon completion, will complement our Las Vegas market presence and content with five strong signals in the market.”
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022 subject to Commission approval and other customary closing conditions.
Beasley acquired KDWN-AM for $17 million in 2006. Once the deal with Audacy closes, the company led by David Field will own three AMs, as KDWN will join News/Talk KXNT-AM 840 and Sports Talk KXST-AM 1140. Audacy also owns KMXB-FM “Mix 94.1,” KLUC-FM 98.5 and KXQQ “Q100.5” in Las Vegas.
KXTE debuted under PD Mike Stern in April 1996 under American Radio Systems ownership. It had acquired the station, then KFBI, from Americom Broadcasting. Under Americom ownership, The Howard Stern Show was brought to Las Vegas, where it aired in mornings through November 2005, 30 days prior to Stern’s transition to SiriusXM.
