Wichita FM going to organization for the visually impaired

0

Journal CommunicationsJournal Broadcast Group was required to go from five to four FMs in Wichita, and it’s getting there by selling Country 92.3 KFTI-FM to non-profit Envision Broadcast Network, which will use it to employ and train those it serves and to help pay for the entire operation.


Terms of the deal were not released.

“We are very excited to be adding a new dimension to our organization as we enter the world of broadcast communications,” said Michael Monteferrante, CEO/President of Envision. “KFTI represents our latest success in diversifying our operations and strengthening our resources. We’re gaining a new revenue stream for funding our programs, new job opportunities for those we serve and a valuable communications vehicle through which we and other organizations can reach audiences. We look forward to making this new venture a key asset to Envision’s community and the Wichita community at large.”

“I am so impressed with the work Envision does in the Wichita community, and am gratified that this station will enable them to further their important mission,” agreed Steve Wexler, EVP/Radio for Journal Broadcast Group.

Envision’s Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy, Heather Hogan added, “Owning a radio station affords many opportunities to enhance some of the ways we already realize our mission and explore new directions in which to pursue it,” Hogan said. “It creates a unique experiential training opportunity for blind and visually impaired individuals, a perfect staging ground for broadcasting our message, and the chance to forge stronger bonds with other agencies as we help them reach their audiences and initiate new collaborative opportunities. We are going full-steam ahead in exploring how to capitalize on this acquisition to enhance every aspect of what we do.”

The station, licensed to Newton KS, is a Class C1 on 92.3 MHz with 95 kW @ 640’. It is oriented north of town with excellent coverage of Wichita proper.

RBR-TVBR observation: Our commendations to Journal and congratulations to Envision. We wish the latter great success as it enters into what will likely be the adventure of a lifetime for many of its constituents.