Rocky Mountain Public Media and Community Radio For Northern Colorado have entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent to explore a potential merger.
The organizations note that a format merger agreement has not been agreed to yet, but rather to begin the process to “determine how the two organizations can work together more effectively and efficiently while protecting and expanding local services.”
Rocky Mountain Public Media operates the statewide “Rocky Mountain PBS” seen on KRMA-TV Denver, KTSC Pueblo, KRMJ Grand Junction, KRMU Durango and dozens of low power signals across Colorado and neighboring states, Jazz 89.3 KUVO Denver, and Urban Alternative “104.7 The Drop” K284CI/KUVO-HD2 Denver. Community Radio For Northern Colorado owns Public News/Talk 91.5 KUNC Greeley/Fort Collins and AAA “105.5 The Colorado Sound” KJAC Timnath.
KUNC/KJAC President Tammy Terwelp said, “KUNC and The Colorado Sound will continue their history of service to Northern Colorado and now have an opportunity for that service and our community connections to grow and deepen. We remain committed to our audience and supporters. This potential merger allows public media to be stronger and more resilient for all.”
The organizations state that if approved, they will be able share back-office operational support such as HR, finance and fundraising to improve efficiency, better meet local community needs, invest in technology, support award-winning teams with enhanced benefits and support, and remain focused on their communities they cover. They also emphasize that branding, editorial decisions, programming, and community engagement remain local with no plans to make any staff reductions.
RMPM President/CEO Amanda Mountain commented, “RMPM has always been committed to strengthening the civic fabric of Colorado. hrough collaboration and innovation, we are confident this merger would keep public media centered on the communities we serve while expanding the public trust and connecting Coloradans to each other in ways that build bridges.”
