KERA approved to take over management of Dallas classical music station

Dallas-Fort Worth classical music fans can rest assured their local station is not going away.

KERA will take over the management of WRR 101.1-FM after the Dallas City Council unanimously approved an agreement between the public broadcasting organization and the city of Dallas’s Office of Arts and Culture on Wednesday. The city of Dallas owns the station, which has been operated by the city’s Office of Arts and Culture.

Nico Leone, KERA’s president and CEO, said in a press release they were thrilled with the outcome of the vote.

“Throughout the procurement process, KERA’s highest priority has been to ensure North Texas has equitable access to classical music and the arts,” Leone said. “We now look forward to working with WRR on that shared goal and expanding on their incredible 101-year history.”

The agreement ensures WRR will remain a locally programmed classical station and will continue to operate out of its present location in Fair Park for at least the next seven years, according to the press release.

WRR has been an all-classical station since 1964 and the only commercial classical music radio station in Texas.

KERA has broadcast in North Texas for more than 60 years and said it “is an ideal management partner to help WRR grow its audience, keep up with industry and technology trends and ensure audiences receive the highest quality classical music programming possible.”

The city of Dallas will retain ownership of WRR and KERA plans to take over operations by the end of this year.

This story was originally published June 8, 2022 at 4:15 PM.