The deal requires approval from the FCC, which is expected to happen later this spring.

Christian radio station KSBJ will purchase Houston Public Media’s KUHA Classical 91.7 FM signal.

The deal, announced Wednesday Feb. 24 between KSBJ and the University of Houston requires approval from the FCC.

That’s expected to happen later this spring.

Houston Public Media announced last year its intention to sell the 50,000 watt FM signal — which it currently uses to broadcast classical music.

Classical programming will move to an all-digital format when the sale is finalized. The University of Houston holds the license for the frequency.

“Our commitment to multi-platform arts and culture coverage is stronger than ever before as we are now incorporating online video and television programming in addition to classical music for the Houston community," said Lisa Shumate, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media where broadcast operations also include News 88.7 (KUHF-FM), NPR in Houston and TV 8 (KUHT-TV) Houston PBS.

"We're happy that the ownership of KUHA will stay in local hands with an experienced broadcaster and look forward to working with KSBJ on a smooth transition," Shumate said.

KSBJ intends to use the newly acquired signal to broadcast sister station NGEN radio.

"This is a significant milestone for KSBJ. For 34 years, we have dreamed of having a full power FM station covering all of Houston that reaches young people," says Tim McDermott, president of KSBJ. "We are so excited about having this and the impact for good it will have on our city."

Shumate added that, since the announcement of the transition last year, Houston Public Media has continued broadcasting classical on KUHA FM while educating listeners about this coming change and how they can access the all-classical digital broadcast through a variety of channels including 88.7 HD 2, Houston Public Media classical app, streaming online at Houstonpublicmedia.org, free applications like iHeartRadio and TuneIn, and via television at TV 8.5.

Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom. Email* First Name Last Name * required