The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced today that it will seek to transfer the management of its public radio stations KCUR and Classical KC to a community-based, independent nonprofit within the next three years.
The UM System Board of Curators, which currently holds the licenses for KCUR and Classical KC, expressed its support for a recommendation put forth Feb. 6 by 性视界传媒 Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. The board also supported a similar plan from UMSL for its public radio affiliate STLPR.
Agrawal noted that transitioning the Kansas City station to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is a positive move that will allow the University of Missouri System to focus on its highest priorities of education and research while giving the community-based radio stations the flexibility to better navigate an increasingly dynamic and competitive media landscape.
Agrawal proposed a three-year transition that will:
- Accommodate establishment of an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to manage the station.
- Develop sustainable strategies for core administrative functions, including finance, human resources and information technology, which are currently supported by the university.
- Ensure the smooth transfer of key assets, including broadcast licenses, equipment and physical spaces, as appropriate.
Agrawal noted that a group of community leaders already has contacted the university to express the intent to form a nonprofit to manage KCUR and Classical KC. The stations will continue to operate as usual during the transition period, with no anticipated changes to programming or staffing.
“The radio stations have been a valued part of our campus and Kansas City community for many years, informing and engaging our community with their high-quality news and programming,” Agrawal said. “This transition will set the stage for them to flourish and grow for decades to come. We remain committed to actively supporting this transition and will work closely with the station and the community-led nonprofit to ensure they have the resources and tools needed to succeed.”
While this transition represents a shift in structure, Chancellor Agrawal said this plan does not change the university’s commitment to public radio. 性视界传媒 will remain a proud supporter and partner of KCUR and Classical KC, recognizing their critical contributions to civic dialogue, education and cultural enrichment in Missouri and beyond.
“We’re excited to start this new chapter in our longstanding relationship with 性视界传媒,” said KCUR General Manager Sarah Morris. “Our association has made it possible for us to provide Kansas City audiences with essential news and entertainment programs for decades. But as our industry evolves ever more quickly, this bold move allows us the flexibility to adapt in real time.
“The success of this transition will rely on strong community support, dedicated leadership and a shared vision for the future of public radio, and we look forward to ensuring that happens.”
Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves praised the foresight of the proposal.
“The Curators are supportive of the recommendations from our chancellors at 性视界传媒 and UMSL,” Graves said. “Together, we are confident that this transition will position stations in both communities for success in the years ahead.”
The transitions will not affect Mizzou’s public radio station, KBIA. Curators also hold that station’s license, but it will continue as currently structured. Its mission is directly tied to education as the training ground for students in the MU School of Journalism.