WDUQ Sold
Pittsburgh:The news about the sale of WDUQ-FM (90.5) had quieted down toward the end of 2010. One began to wonder if the station was still for sale or whether there might be a deal in the works. January 14, 2011 brought the answer as WYEP-FM (91.3) and Public Media Company formed a new local venture called Essential Public Media. The new venture was selected by Duquesne University to purchase Pittsburgh's first public radio station for $6 Million.
For now, it seems that WDUQ's programming will not change keeping the jazz and local news aspects the station is known for. The station will also continue to involve the students of Duquesne. Proceeds from the station's sale will be put toward the creation of new academic and missionary programs and endowments for the university.
Roger Rafson of CMS Station Brokerage represented Duquesne University in the sale.
Readers’ Forum
There is no reason to expect a significant jazz presence on the main 90.5 FM channel. Look for jazz to move to an HD stream. Local news/public affairs coverage will increase.
Unusual Suspect - January 15, 2011 at 09:00 am
Sadly, I’d have to agree regarding the jazz, though in terms of ‘DUQ news that may be good news for listeners looking for a further alternative to KDKA, KQV and the Cleveland-filtered WPGB. Perhaps someone could buy Glassport FM 94.1 from EMF and use that as a HD2 translator, but that would only serve the eastern suburbs.
Pat Cloonan (URL) - January 15, 2011 at 12:50 pm
As a graduate of D.U. and a former WDUQ staffer while I was a student there, I am saddened to learn of the University’s decision to sell the station. Shame on the board of directors for selling a historic, treasured, and important part of the university. This marks the end of over 60 years of D.U. owning the station and the university has lost its voice to the public and a great public relations tool with the sale of WDUQ. As a D.U. alumni, I seriously doubt if I will ever contribute another penny to my alma mater because of the sale of our beloved WDUQ.
Bill Trushel - January 17, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Dear Fellow DUQ Fans,
We can’t just stand by and let a treasure like DUQ disappear, only to be replaced by yet another news outlet. Let the new owners know that if the jazz continues, so does our financial support. And if it ends, SO DOES OUR SUPPORT!!! And to Duquesne University—-SHAME ON YOU!!
JD - January 25, 2011 at 11:54 am
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