What Happened to 97.1 Country Legends? Know About Its Acquisition
by Aishwarya R | Updated Nov 02, 2023
Country Legends in 97.1 FM
On January 2, 2003, at noon, the radio station KTHT underwent a notable transition, rebranding itself as "Country Legends 97.1" and adopting a classic country music format. The inaugural track aired on "Country Legends" was "You Never Even Called Me by My Name" by David Allan Coe, marking the beginning of an era dedicated to celebrating the work of iconic country artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Ronnie Milsap.
However, in April 2023, the landscape for the station shifted as Urban One announced its acquisition of the Houston radio cluster of Cox Media Group. This transaction put Urban One over the FCC ownership limits, necessitating the divestiture of two stations in the combined cluster. KTHT, alongside KROI, was consequently placed into the temporary Sugarland Station Trust divestiture trust, overseen by Scott Knoblauch.
On October 31, 2023, saw the relocation of the KLVH callsign to 97.1 in Cleveland/Houston, Texas, in conjunction with the acquisition of KTHT-FM by Educational Media Foundation. This pivotal change marks a new chapter for the station and the Houston radio scene, with the transition from a celebrated country format to a contemporary Christian format under the ownership of Educational Media Foundation.
What Happened to 97.1 Country Legends?
The iconic radio station 97.1 Country Legends, a long-standing favorite among Houstonians for its country music, has recently undergone a significant transformation. After being acquired by the nonprofit media ministry, Educational Media Foundation, the station has been rebranded as "K-Love," now airing contemporary Christian music. This shift marks the end of an era for the station, which has a rich history dating back to the 1990s when it initially featured classical music before transitioning through various genres, including R&B as Hot 97.1, and finally settling on country music in 2003.
Houston, known for its love of country music, has been left pondering where to find their beloved genre following the departure of the cherished 97.1 Country Legends. While alternative stations such as 92.9 and 100.3 continue to offer country music, some residents have expressed their intention to resort to streaming applications to satisfy their country music cravings.
The loss of a beloved station has struck a chord with the community, evoking nostalgia for the memories associated with the music and the station itself. Similar sentiments were expressed back in 2004 when Rock 101 KLOL transitioned to a different genre, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia and loss for its loyal listeners. As the final notes of John Berry's "Standing on the Edge of Goodbye" played on the airwaves of 97.1 Country Legends, it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Houston's radio listeners.
About 97.1 FM
97.1 FM (KLVH) widely recognized as "K-Love," is a non-commercial radio station based in Cleveland, Texas, catering to the northern region of Greater Houston. Renowned for its Christian adult contemporary radio format, the station is under the ownership of the Educational Media Foundation, further solidifying its commitment to delivering uplifting and inspirational content to its audience.
Operating with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts, KLVH broadcasts its signal from a transmitter site located off Route 222 at Bob McGowan Road in Shepherd, Texas, situated in proximity to the serene surroundings of the Sam Houston National Forest. This strategic positioning places the station approximately equidistant from the major cities of Houston and Lufkin, Texas, ensuring that its signal can effectively reach and resonate with a broad audience across the region.
The station's operational hub, including its studios and administrative offices, is situated in the bustling Uptown Houston district, specifically housed within 3 Post Oak Central, reflecting the station's commitment to delivering meaningful content within the dynamic cultural and commercial landscape of the area. KLVH's dedication to its Christian adult contemporary radio format, coupled with its extensive coverage area and powerful broadcasting capabilities, cements its position as a prominent and influential voice within the Greater Houston radio community.
History of 97.1 FM
97.1 FM has a rich history of format changes and ownership transitions over the years. It initially began its journey on January 17, 1993, as KRTK, under the ownership of Texas Classical Radio, Inc. Primarily functioning as a simulcast for the classical music programming of KRTS in Seabrook, it later ventured into independent operations following the approval of KRTS' power increase request by the FCC.
The station underwent several significant shifts, including a brief stint as a simulcast for the Regional Mexican-formatted KEYH as KEYH-FM in September 1995. Subsequently, KEYH-FM evolved into its own entity, adopting the names "Estereo 97" and later "Que Onda 97" in March 1996.
In January 1997, the station was acquired by AMFM, Inc. for $10 million, marking another milestone in its history. The call sign was changed to KKTL, signaling a shift to a news/talk format branded as "Houston's Talk FM, 97 Talk" in September 1997. The ownership baton was passed to Jacor the following year for a reported sum of $14.7 million.
In a sequence of format alterations, the station transitioned to a simulcast of the alternative rock-formatted KTBZ-FM, known as "107-5 The Buzz," in March 1999. As KTBZ and KLDE ("Oldies 94.5") swapped frequencies in July 2000 due to an ownership trade-off in the AMFM/Jacor/Clear Channel merger, 97.1 FM transformed into an oldies outlet.
Cox Media Group took over the reins of the station in August 2000, leading to the dramatic rebranding of the station as KTHT, "Hot 97.1," on November 4, 2000. This switch to a rhythmic contemporary format marked a significant shift in the station's identity, with the first song played under the new branding being "Party Up" by DMX.
Overview of 97.1 FM
Raddio Station
KLVH (97.1 FM "K-Love")
Broadcast Area
Greater Houston, Deep East Texas
Frequency
97.1 MHz (HD Radio)
Branding
K-Love
Language(s)
English
Format
Christian adult contemporary
Owner
Educational Media Foundation
Sister Stations
KHJK, KXXF
First air date
January 7, 1993
Former Call Signs
KRTK (1991–95), KEYH-FM (1995–96), KOND (1996–97),
KRTK (1997), KKTL (1997–99), KKTL-FM (1999–2000), KTHT (2000-2023)
Call Sign Meaning
K-Love Houston
Licensing Authority
FCC
Facility ID
65308
Class
C
ERP
100,000 watts
HAAT
563 meters (1,847 ft)
Transmitter Coordinates
30°32′6″N 95°1′4″W
Specifications
Details
What Happened to 97.1 Country Legends - FAQs
97.1 Country Legends underwent a significant transformation when it was acquired by the nonprofit media ministry, Educational Media Foundation, and rebranded as "K-Love," featuring a contemporary Christian music format.
The transition from 97.1 Country Legends to "K-Love" occurred in April 2023 when Educational Media Foundation acquired the station from Radio One's Sugarland Station Trust, marking a shift from the beloved country music format to contemporary Christian music.
The change in format was a result of the acquisition of the station by Educational Media Foundation, known for its focus on providing uplifting and inspirational content. This shift aligns with the foundation's mission to deliver positive and faith-based programming to its audience.
97.1 Country Legends showcased an array of renowned country artists, including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Ronnie Milsap, among others, contributing to its significant presence in the country music scene.
The shift from 97.1 Country Legends to "K-Love" left a profound impact on the community, eliciting a mix of nostalgia and a sense of loss among its loyal listeners who had cherished the station's country music offerings for years. The change prompted discussions about alternative sources for enjoying country music and highlighted the station's enduring legacy within the Houston radio landscape.