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Ut Tyler Radio 99.7 Kvut

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Overview


UT TYLER Radio 99.7 KVUT was a non-commercial public radio station owned and operated by _The University of Texas at Tyler_. The station was licensed in Cuney, Texas, and served the Tyler-Longview area. KVUT officially signed on the air on September 14, 2021, and ceased operations on May 24, 2024. The station was an NPR affiliate that provided both national NPR programming and local news content.

Key Dates and Events



Launch and Operations


  • First air date: October 10, 2018

  • UT Tyler acquisition: License transferred to The University of Texas at Tyler on June 16, 2020, for $120,000.

  • Public launch: September 14, 2021, celebrated as the official launch of the station featuring public radio news programs and local programming.

  • Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 1,600 watts; _Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT)_: 154 meters.

  • Broadcast area: Primarily Tyler and Jacksonville, with the transmitter located at Bullard, Texas.


Ceasing Operations


  • Ceasing date: May 24, 2024, at 5 PM.

  • _Reason_: University reallocating resources for other student communication industry training projects.

  • Buyer: Station to be sold to RCA Broadcasting for $100,000, which will revert KVUT to commercial operation under the KFRO-FM call sign.

  • Future Format: Classical hits, simulcasting KFRO from Longview.


Leadership Team


  • General Manager: _Lorri Allen_ (tenure from Sept 2020 to the cessation date). Lorri Allen is an experienced journalist and mental fitness coach with significant involvement in the station's operational launch and public events.

  • News Director: _Mike Landess_ (served until August 2024). Mike Landess is a veteran journalist who played an instrumental role in establishing the station's news operations.

  • Director of Operations: _Jeff Johnson_ (tenure from Jan 2021 to July 2024). Jeff Johnson focused on managing both radio and digital operations and was actively involved in student training programs.


Historical Context and Ownership Changes


  • Originally proposed and constructed by New Wavo Communications Group, the station was initially granted a license for operation on November 6, 2015.

  • Purchased by North Texas Radio Group, L.P., with a series of call sign changes until the current call sign KVUT was adopted on December 19, 2019.

  • UT Tyler facilitated the transformation of KVUT, integrating it as the first public media outlet in East Texas outside of cable.


Technical Specifications


  • Frequency: 99.7 MHz

  • Class: A

  • Facility ID: 198816

  • Transmitter Coordinates: 32°8′42.3″N 95°19′52.6″W


Significant Milestones


  • Soft Launch: May 13, 2021, testing programming and kickstarting NPR broadcasts.

  • Public Engagement: Held several public events for community engagement and celebrated local and national programming.

  • Educational Impact: Provides hands-on experience for students studying communications, developing practical skills in a live radio environment.


Competitor Profiling


KETR 88.9 FM


KETR 88.9 FM is a public radio station licensed to Texas A&M University-Commerce. It serves Northeast Texas, including Tyler, with a broad range of NPR programming and local news.

  • Location: Commerce, Texas.

  • Ownership: Texas A&M University-Commerce.

  • Frequency: 88.9 FM.

  • Service Area: Northeast Texas.

  • Operational Status: Active since 1975.

  • Employees: 11-50.

  • Founded: 1975.

  • Type: Nonprofit.

  • Specialties: Public Radio, NPR, Podcasting, and News.

  • Headquarters Address: 1500 Education Dr, Commerce, Texas, 75428.


KXT 91.7 FM


KXT 91.7 FM, located in Dallas, Texas, is another public radio station that provides an extensive mix of new, local, and legendary music. It is part of North Texas Public Broadcasting, which also oversees KERA.

  • Location: Dallas, Texas.

  • Ownership: North Texas Public Broadcasting Inc.

  • Frequency: 91.7 FM.

  • Service Area: North Texas.

  • Programming: Music-focused, particularly indie rock, jazz, blues, and more.

  • Operational Status: Active.

  • Founded: 1960.

  • Type: Nonprofit.

  • Specialties: Public Media, Public Radio, and Public Television.

  • Headquarters Address: 3000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas, 75201.


KERA 90.1 FM


KERA 90.1 FM is another notable competitor in Dallas, Texas, offering a broad spectrum of NPR programming alongside local news.

  • Location: Dallas, Texas.

  • Ownership: North Texas Public Broadcasting Inc.

  • Frequency: 90.1 FM.

  • Service Area: Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

  • Programming: NPR, local news, a variety of talk shows, and educational programs.

  • Operational Status: Active.

  • Founded: 1960.

  • Type: Nonprofit.

  • Specialties: Public Radio, Public Television.

  • Headquarters Address: 3000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, 75201.


This comprehensive report on KVUT 99.7 FM provides valuable insights into the station's history, leadership, and operational highlights, offering a consolidated view for potential stakeholders and those interested in the station's narrative and its impact on the local broadcast landscape.