Having recently struck a deal to add a second FM radio station, the University of Houston is now planning to merge its radio and TV operations into a single unit later this year. It is also seeking a CEO to run the combined operation.
“The University of Houston plans to undertake a national search for a media executive to help develop and implement the eventual merger of its television and radio stations. The projected merger will allow the university to better serve the community by using these valuable resources more effectively. The search is scheduled to begin in the spring. Details of the search and plans for the merger will be announced as they become available,” the university said in an announcement.
The merger will combine the operations of KUHT-TV (PBS) with those of the two radio stations: KUHF, which will remain News/Talk and split off the Classical portion of its current format once the FCC approves its acquisition of KTRU-FM from Rice University.
According to the Houston Chronicle the U of H broadcast operations employ a total of 112 fulltime employees – 60 for TV and 52 for radio. The merger and reorganization is expected to improve efficiency both in staffing and in fundraising.
