Spirit 105.9 Signs Off
Today was the last day of regular programming for KFMK/Austin (Spirit 105.9). The station will play all Christmas music Saturday 10/31 before EMF takes over ownership on November 1st.
Christa Media announced in September EMF was purchasing the station for $6 mil. EMF also owns KLLR, KYLR, & KVLR all in the Austin market. Christa Media purchased KFMK in 2010 from Clear Channel Communications (iHeart Media). On September 20, 2010, at 4:20 PM, KFMK fully shifted to a contemporary Christian format and re-branded as “SPIRIT 105.9”.
CRISTA Media Vice President, TJ Malievsky: “After 10 incredible years, the time has arrived for our ministry to pass the baton to our friends at Educational Media Foundation. We prayerfully express our gratitude to the incredible people of greater Austin, including our dedicated SPIRIT 105.9 staff and loyal listeners. As our ministry streamlines our operations to be within our deep roots and footprint in the Pacific Northwest, we are excited to know that uplifting Christian music and messages will continue to be delivered to the Austin market.”
KFMK employees said their goodbyes on and off the air today and had these words for HisAir:
KFMK PD/mornings Steve Sunshine: “It’s been an amazing 10 years. Spirit 105.9 has worked hard to be a truly Austin radio station. The Spirit of Austin for example started as a station slogan but became a way to celebrate the uniqueness of our city. The whole team was excellent and totally committed. The past few days talking to listeners has shown us that Spirit has had a lot more impact than we thought.”
KFMK consultant John Frost: “My friends at Spirit 105.9 in Austin have done a terrific job reflecting the unique point of view of those living in Austin, Texas. Through their Spirit of Austin campaign they’ve connected to churches, organizations, non-profits, and civic leaders that care about their community and desire to help others. The Spirit team built what is truly a mass appeal format with a foundation of faith in a way that was uniquely Austin. This may be best illustrated by the numbers of organizations that offered to help when they heard the station might be sold.”
KFMK Promotions Director Lisa Keil: “It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to be a part of this team. We’ve been able to be a part of some really special things within our community and it’s been a pleasure to be able to serve alongside so many of our local partners throughout the years. The SPIRIT of Austin is serving and loving our community and I believe we have done that really well. We’ve heard some incredible stories from our listeners over the past few weeks of how the music and what is said on-air has brought hope and encouragement and that has been our prayer since the very beginning. Our hope is that Jesus will continue to be glorified in this city and we’re believing the best is yet to come!”
KFMK Personality Donna Cruz: “If it seems like we’re one big family, it’s because we honestly feel that way. I think that’s one of the reasons Spirit 105.9 resonates with all of central Texas, because the love we have for each other and our community really comes through.”
KFMK Personality Mac McClennahan: “Although we’re all sad to see the end of Spirit 105.9, I am very thankful that Austin and central Texas have been so kind and loving to us. Coming from a rock & country background, working in Christian radio has been life-changing, and I’m excited about what great things God has in front of all of us. It’s been an honor to be part of this family for the past ten years. To have people tell you their lives are better because of what we’ve done has made every minute special.”
