STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance & Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: June 8, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Procurement Services
EXECUTIVE: Elizabeth Reich
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) an application to the Federal Communications Commission and all related documents necessary to convert the City's license for WRR 101.1 FM to a non-commercial license; (2) rescinding Council Resolution No. 78-0309, which provides for radio coverage of City Council meetings on WRR 101.1 FM, to discontinue future City Council meeting broadcasts on WRR 101.1 FM; and (3) a seven-year management and facility agreement, with two eight-year renewal options, for the management and operation of WRR 101.1 FM and Fair Park studio for the Office of Arts and Culture with North Texas Public Broadcasting dba KERA, most advantageous proposer of two - Annual Estimated Revenue (Reimbursements) of $452,077
Body
BACKGROUND
This action will authorize an application to the Federal Communications Commission to convert the City's license for 101.1 FM to a non-commercial license, rescind Council Resolution No. 78-0309, which provides for radio coverage of City Council meetings on WRR, to discontinue future City Council meeting broadcasts on WRR-FM and a seven-year management agreement with two eight-year renewal options for the management and operation of the WRR and Fair Park studio for the Office of Arts and Culture.
Staff recommends a non-commercial license as the best approach to sustainability for WRR 101.1 FM as a classical station. More than 80 percent of classical radio stations are operated on a non-commercial license with support coming from a blend of listeners, businesses, and foundations.
In order to expand classical programming hours, KERA has requested that the City Council consider rescinding the 1978 resolution mandating WRR broadcast of City Council meetings. Historically, WRR h...
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