Houston has just become the only city among the 10 largest in the United States without a commercial classical radio station.
It gained the dubious distinction when KLEF recently changed from Mahler to Manilow, “a format switch that has excited considerable controversy in Houston,” and that has left the town with “its cultural image now tarnished,” according to one news account.
Various forces are scrambling to fill the void. Real estate developer Joe E. Russo is leading a group of investors that wants to convert easy- listening station KYND to highbrow and boost its meager 3,000 watts of power – if the Federal Communications Commission approves.
Another group of Houston entrepreneurs are reported moving to establish a classical outlet. And Continental Airlines says it will commit $250,000 a year in advertising expenditures on any full-time classical station that springs up.
For the time being, Houston’s classical fans will have to settle for the eight hours a day of classics transmitted by KUHF – from the campus of the University of Houston.
