University of Evansville is selling Jazz 91.5 WUEV Evansville IN to Way Media for 150,000.
The fate of WUEV had been under debate within the university for a couple of years with alumni groups fighting the potential sale. The school will retain the rights to the WUEV call letters and integrate the station’s studios into their digital media production facilities.
Way Media operates the Christian AC “Way-FM” network which is currently heard in Evansville on 91.9 W220DV via an HD subchannel of 106.1 WDKS.
After an almost two-year review, the University of Evansville has announced the sale of WUEV 91.5 to WAY-FM.
“This decision did not come lightly,” said vice president for enrollment and marketing, Shane Davidson. “Ultimately, this was a strategic decision with the long-term interest of our students as our most important consideration. We evaluate expansion and constriction of programs annually to meet the marketplace of tomorrow.”
UE students will continue to have access to broadcast outlets, such as ESPN3 and the Old National Bank radio network.
WUEV’s audio production facilities will be integrated into the multimedia resources for students to develop skills for the current digital media environment, the university said.
The university estimates this decision will save $1 million over 10 years.
WUEV first went on the air as WEVC in 1950 when UE was known as Evansville College.
The station features diverse programming, centered around jazz music.
“We appreciate the years of service and loyalty that so many have invested in WUEV,” said Davidson. “The traditional radio business has seen a transformation over the last decade and easily accessible apps and streaming services have changed the game. Thus, we are utilizing our resources to prepare students for the current and future media environment.”
It will take at least three months for the Federal Communications Commission to complete the approval process.
WUEV will remain operational on 91.5 during the transition period.
When the transition is complete, WAY-FM will take over the 91.5 frequency.
WAY-FM is a national, nonprofit radio broadcasting network. The network currently serves the Evansville area under the 91.9 frequency and will expand upon its local service with the acquisition of 91.5.