Friends of 88.5, the group behind the #SaveKPLU campaign, has taken ownership of the radio station. Through a strong community effort, including a fund drive that raised $7M in six months, Friends has quashed a backroom deal between Pacific Lutheran University and the UDub that would have greatly reduced the station’s range and reduced it to jazz only. Pending approval by the FCC, the station will retain its local news staff and its “jazz, blues and NPR news” format, as well as its transmitter network. The FCC process usually takes a few months, but Friends has a solid staff and funding from listeners. The logistics are in place. It would be a shock if the application were to be denied.
