Roy Leavitt’s Faith Broadcasting Inc. will cease operations of Christian AC “106.9 The Heart” KHRT-FM and Southern Gospel 1320 KHRT Minot ND on July 31.

Leavitt, whose family has owned the AM since 1982 and launched the FM in 1992, said that support and advertising has fallen to a level where Faith Broadcasting is no longer able to continue operating the stations. He told KMOT-TV that they are seeking a buyer. The FM currently features programming mostly from Salem Music Network, while the AM features a full-service local morning show hosted by Jonas Nelson and a local afternoon show with Chad Olson. Nelson, who has been with KHRT since 1996, also serves as Program Director of both stations.

The stations were in heavily competitive Christian marketplace in Minot with nearly a third of the signals in town featuring religious programming.

In a message shared on KHRT.com, Leavitt writes:

Ecclesiastes says there is a time and a season for everything. Today I’m here to let you know that the season for KHRT Radio has come to an end. In this very difficult economy that we live in, support and advertising has fallen to a level where Faith Broadcasting is no longer able to continue operating the stations. July 31st will be the final day of broadcasting for 1320 KHRT and The Heart 106.9. I want to say a huge “thank you” to listeners, prayer warriors, Sharathon givers, and the many advertisers who have helped to sustain this ministry for decades. We have appreciated your partnership in proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel as local Christian stations. May God bless you and keep you.