Sunnylands Broadcasting Classic Hits “Valley 106.5” 1270 KVGH/106.5 K293CL Thousand Palms/Palm Springs will debut its new for LGBTQ by LGBTQ format on Wednesday, December 26.
The change comes with operations of the station and sister Soft AC “CV 104.3” KHCV Mecca coming under the umbrellas of non-profit QChella Media Corporation. Led by President Elijah Hartman, the radio operations will be overseen by longtime broadcast executive Brad Fuhr. New KGAY call letters are pending.
The company’s description states, “We believe that LGBTQ+ lives are strengthened and affirmed when our stories are told, broadcast, and heard. As a new nonprofit corporation, we are working to support and foster the diverse voices of our LGBTQ+ community. As such, Qchella Media is directed and managed by LGBTQ+ members. We are privileged to produce and broadcast media to provide a voice to LGTBQ+ peoples, and to support the coalition of LGBTQ+ owned and friendly non-profits, businesses, professionals, and corporations — all working to promote the health, education, strength, and prosperity of our diverse community.”
Fuhr has held many programming and sales positions over the past 40 years including General Manager of WPGU Champaign IL, affiliate relations for MJI Broadcasting, Board Member of The Conclave, Director of Clear Channel’s Pride Radio and sales positions for Bonneville Chicago and Emmis Los Angeles. Since 2013 he has founded and led GayDesertGuide.com, an events guide for the Palm Springs Area.
Chris Shebel, who most recently served as Program Director of KKCW and KLTH Portland, will program KGAY. Shebel has programmed Dance “Energy 92.7/5” WKIE Chicago, “Energy 92.7” KNGY San Francisco, “103.1 The Eighties Channel” WXXY Chicago, 92.3 WPRO-FM Provdience, and served multiple terms as Operations Manager of Clear Channel Raleigh.
The new format will be the second LBGTQ targeted station in Palm Springs following Entercom’s “Channel Q“, which launched on 103.1 KQPS on November 1.
In preparation of the launch, the station is currently airing Christmas songs from the Palm Springs Gay Mens Chorus and the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles.
