The City of Dallas is currently seeking RFP’s for a non-profit to take over operations of Classical 101.1 WRR Dallas.
In a statement the city’s Office of Arts and Culture states, “The City of Dallas and Office of Arts and Culture greatly values the classical music broadcasts and arts organizations support that Classical WRR 101.1 FM radio provides. Unfortunately, due to reduced advertising revenue during the global pandemic and legal restrictions on the government employees of WRR to comply with ethics regulations, WRR 101.1 FM has operated at a deficit for eight years in a row, with a declining fund balance in operating reserves of $5.1M since 2012. The station’s operating results have ranged from nearly breakeven to losses of over $1.2 Million, not including capital obligations. As a responsible steward, the City of Dallas is exploring new management for WRR 101.1 FM to ensure it remains a City-owned classical music format radio station. All RFP respondents must operate as a nonprofit. If the station’s operating and capital reserves were exhausted, the City would not be able to require it remain a classical station.
In the current RFP for management adhering to all City protocols, the City will retain ownership of the station and WRR will be a classical music station continuing services to arts organizations. This is similar to Dallas’ other City-owned, privately managed cultural assets such as the Moorland YMCA Building managed by Dallas Black Dance Theater and the Sammons Center for the Arts. Following the close of the procurement, the City will begin negotiations with bidders to recommend one for Council action to ensure continued classical music radio on City of Dallas-owned WRR 101.1 FM.”
Friends of WRR, which provides membership drives for the commercial station, is protesting the move concerned that the bidding process is rushed and flawed. Friends of WRR states, “it does not give potential bidders enough time or information to prepare bids that sufficiently protect the station. If no one bids, we are concerned the City will move to sell the station. Even if a bidder wins the contract, the station is exposed to a serious risk of long-term harm and, ultimately, a sale.”
Dallas came close to a four-way deal in 2003 that would’ve seen the WRR intellectual property move to 105.7 KRNB Decatur TX and be operated by Public News/Talk 90.1 KERA-FM via LMA. That deal would have Susquehanna Radio move then Classic Rock “93.3 The Bone” KDBN Haltom City to 101.1, while Service Broadcasting would’ve acquired 93.3 to replace 105.7. In that deal a combined $60 million from Susquehanna and Service would have gone to the city. The deal fell apart due to vocal concerns over the weakness of the 105.7 signal in parts of the city.
The Request For Proposals opened on June 17 and must be submitted by 5:00pm on July 15.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com