wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Joy FM to acquire KFUO-FM

["LCMS e-News" <LCMSENEWS@lcms.org>]

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>10.7.2009		
>	LCMS News	 	
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>THE LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod  	 	
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	October 7, 2009 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 84

>Joy FM to acquire KFUO-FM 'CLASSIC99'

The Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod has
approved the acquisition of KFUO-FM "CLASSIC99" by Joy FM for $18
million, plus interest scheduled over 10 years, for a total of $26
million.

Under the acquisition agreement, the Synod will sell the KFUO-FM license
and the associated equipment. The sale is not final until approved by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). KFUO-FM will continue to
play classical music at the 99.1 FM frequency until the final closing of
the sale.

Joy FM is a non-commercial, listener-supported station offering
Christian music programming. The station currently broadcasts
simultaneously on two signals, 97.7 FM and 94.1 FM, which together reach
the City of St. Louis, the northern and western reaches of St. Louis
County, St. Charles, and O'Fallon, Mo. For more information, visit
www.joyfmonline.org <http://www.joyfmonline.org> .

The LCMS continues to own and operate KFUO-AM, the world's longest
continually running religious radio station, which offers a Christian
talk format.

"The LCMS is endeavoring to continue to provide classical music
programming following the sale of KFUO-FM by seeking alternative
broadcast possibilities," according to a news release from Vicki Biggs,
director of Public Affairs and Media Relations for the Synod.

"We are exploring the possibility of broadcasting classical music over a
high-definition channel and via a radio translator system that would
reach the St. Louis-area market," said Kermit Brashear, a member of the
LCMS Board of Directors and special counsel to the Board's KFUO
committee.
"Details regarding these possibilities are not yet fully known, but we
are continuing to investigate these options."

The decision to sell KFUO-FM is the result of the Board's continuous
evaluation of church assets and a stewardship decision regarding the
best use of assets for furthering mission and ministry. For example, the
LCMS is striving to broaden its use of technology, including social
media tools to connect with members and nonmembers alike to proclaim the
Gospel worldwide.

"The church has myriad national and international ministries and mission
endeavors, not the least of which is a movement focused on reaching 100
million people with the Gospel by 2017, and the Board is constantly
evaluating resources for accomplishing this work," said LCMS Board
Chairman Dr. Donald Muchow. "Board resolutions were issued first in 2008
and again early this year to explore alternatives regarding LCMS radio
station assets. After a prayerful, thorough, and exhaustive review of
the options, the offer from Joy FM has been accepted."

"The LCMS deeply values the heritage of KFUO-FM and the support its
listeners have provided during the station's tenure," the Synod news
release states. "The church also is truly grateful for the friendship
and support of the KFUO-FM Radio Arts Board and the station's other
partners, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri
Botanical Garden."

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to KFUO-FM's listeners, patrons, and
corporate partners for their generous support all these years," said
Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick. "We have been privileged to
operate KFUO-FM for 61 years as a contribution to St. Louis and the
surrounding community. Looking ahead, under God's guidance, we will
avail ourselves of the opportunities this acquisition agreement will
provide as we strive to reach the world with the precious and saving
Good News of Jesus Christ."

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If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release, contact
Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org
<mailto:joe.isenhower@lcms.org>  or (314) 996-1231, or Paula Schlueter
Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org <mailto:paula.ross@lcms.org>  or (314)
996-1230.

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