KXT is a new radio station found at 91.7 FM in North Texas, and at kxt.org worldwide. It’s an incredible selection of acoustic, alt-country, indie rock, alternative and world music, hand-picked just for you – the real music fan.
KXT features between 9 and 11 hours of local programming each weekday, bringing you an eclectic variety of artists and genres, including a number of performers from North Texas and elsewhere in the Lone Star State.
Gini Mascorro will host the KXT Morning Show, Monday through Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. Joe Kozera will take listeners home weekdays with the KXT Afternoon Show from 3-6pm and the KXT Evening Show from 6-8pm.
90.1 at Night with host Paul Slavens, which appeared on KERA-FM for a number of years, has moved to KXT and is now known as The Paul Slavens Show.
National shows appearing regularly on KXT include Acoustic Café, American Routes, Mountain Stage, Putumayo Music Hour, Sound Opinions, The Thistle & Shamrock, UnderCurrents and World Café.
About KERA
KERA (North Texas Public Broadcasting) is a not-for-profit public broadcasting organization that serves the people of North Texas. The station broadcasts to the 4th largest populated area in the United States. KERA produces original multimedia content, carries the best in national and international public television and radio programs, and provides online resources at www.kera.org. The station’s extensive coverage of the arts can be found at www.artandseek.org. KERA TV broadcasts on channel 13.1 and KERA WORLD on 13.2. KERA FM broadcasts on 90.1 in Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton, 88.3 in Wichita Falls, 100.1 in Tyler and 99.2 Sherman. On November 9, 2009, KERA’s new public radio music station at 91.7 FM will join the airwaves. Mary Anne Alhadeff is President & CEO of KERA/KXT.
KERA’s Mission
The mission of KERA is to serve the citizens of North Texas by excelling in production, presentation and distribution of public television and radio programming, and other multimedia resources and activities that educate, inspire, enrich, inform and entertain.
History
KERA was founded by local leaders in 1957 based on core public service and education principles much like those subsequently reflected in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 that founded a national public broadcasting service:
- Public broadcasting is fundamentally a local institution, rooted in the social, educational and cultural fabric of hundreds of communities across the country.
- The programs and services of public broadcasting must be available to all Americans, regardless of their location or ability to pay.
- Lifelong education is the founding goal of public broadcasting and must be preserved.
- The noncommercial character of public broadcasting, as well as its editorial integrity and independence, are critical to its public service mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the new station called KXT?
After the station’s call letters KKXT.
When will KXT begin broadcasting?
The new station launched Monday, November 9 at 7:00 a.m. The first program on the air was the KXT Morning Show with Gini Mascorro, broadcast from the KXT studio.
What programming will be on KXT?
The KXT Morning, Afternoon and Evening shows provide nine to eleven hours of weekday local programming. On Fridays, two hours of Texas Mix are featured at midday. KXT Weekend airs on Saturdays and Sundays, and The Paul Slavens Show on Sunday evening has moved from KERA 90.1 FM to KXT 91.7.
The national public radio music programs selected for KXT complement the station’s own local productions and enhance the public service mission of KXT, which is to introduce, discuss and explore music that otherwise may not be heard on free radio.
What is the broadcast area?
Basically the same as KERA 90.1 FM’s broadcast area that serves greater Dallas, Fort Worth and Denton.
What does the new station’s Web site, kxt.org, offer?
Playlists, live streaming, podcasts, program features, video and other interactive features.
Why did KERA purchase this radio station?
KERA purchased 91.7 FM to extend its public broadcasting services for the people of North Texas. The acquisition is consistent with KERA’s mission and strategic direction to enhance its public radio, public television and online services for those who reside in the fourth largest population area in the country.
Public radio music programming is a part of KERA’s history. KERA 90.1 FM had a weekday mix of news and music until 1996, when a change was made to strengthen public affairs programming. Still, the music programming had a loyal audience. Many listeners let us know that they missed the public radio music programming provided by KERA and had not found anything to replace it in the North Texas region.
KXT will provide an amazing new service for North Texas not found elsewhere on free radio.
Why didn’t KERA just offer music on a HD channel?
HD radio content is currently received by such a limited number of radios that we would not be able to aggregate a sufficient audience to make it worthwhile. Terrestrial, or traditional, radio is a much better way for KERA to provide valuable, mission-related content to our community. We do realize that many listeners may want to listen to KXT via the Web, and we plan to make that possible right from the start.
How much did the station cost?
$18 million.
Who made the decision to buy the station?
The decision to purchase the station was made in March 2009 by KERA’s Board of Directors and senior management. The Board’s Executive Committee, the Finance Committee and a special working group comprised of Board members were involved in the process every step of the way.
How can KERA afford to buy this station?
KERA prudently manages its finances which is a major reason why the station was able to secure independent financing.
The core infrastructure for the new station is basically in place: broadcasting equipment and technology, studio facilities, and the program and administrative staff.
A membership program will begin when the new station fully goes on the air, and we are approaching program sponsors.
How will it be paid for?
Very favorable terms were secured from nonprofit-focused lenders. The loans will be paid over time.
Was government stimulus package funding used to acquire this station?
Were any government funds used to purchase the station?
No.
Who did KERA buy the station from?
Covenant Educational Media, Inc.
How many new staff will be hired?
Two local on-air hosts and a marketing/membership position. These positions have been filled.
Can I work at the new station?
Please check KERA’s employment listings for postings of any new positions that might be added in the future.
