Clear Channel Communications, the largest operator of radio stations in the United States, agreed Wednesday to sell two of its eight Houston stations as part of an agreement to satisfy Justice Department antitrust concerns.
Under the terms of the settlement, which were filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., Clear Channel will sell KLOL (101.1 FM), the heritage rock station that now airs Spanish contemporary hits, and either KHMX (96.5 FM), which airs an adult top 40 format, or KTBZ (94.5 FM), which airs a modern rock format.
Now I can understand why Vince Richards, Zakk United and others are leaving Houston for 97.1 The Eagle KEGL in Dallas. They could have known this was coming. Or maybe luck played into it.
This could be good news for Houston radio or we could still get more of the same.
Maybe a company like CBS or Cox will buy 101 KLOL and put rock back on the frequency. Both companies have good rock stations around the country. Cumulus already blew this opportunity with Rock 103.7 KIOL. They shouldn't get another chance with the rock format here. (Hey all of you former KLOL employees, you really should start digitizing your air checks and putting them online. I will link to them. I don't think any corporate entity would care anymore. That station's IP has been shifted around so much at this point, what would it matter if it was all online?)
This also means the monopoly, many listeners accused Clear Channel of being in Houston (and around the country), is slowly disappearing. Could other companies owning big stations like KLOL and KTBZ or KHMX mean more competition and ultimately better radio? Maybe.
But don't hold your breath. I expect radio to remain stale and most people continuing to listen to iPods, XM or Sirius and keep abandoning radio over the airwaves.
(Thanks blogHOUSTON) CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here
