Vote on UNLV radio station takeover stalled

UNLV administrators on Friday stalled a proposal to hand the school's radio station to Nevada Public Radio after more than a dozen students, volunteers and listeners decried the deal before a panel of state education officials.

The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education was poised to vote Friday on a request from school officials to give KUNV-radio, 91.5 FM, to Nevada Public Radio. But after more than a dozen critics peppered the board with complaints about the takeover, UNLV President Len Jessup asked to table the vote for discussion at a later meeting.

Jessup told the board he delayed the decision because of the concerns raised and because "several other alternative suggestions" have emerged for the proposed takeover.

"A takeover would increase what (KNPR) has on the air already, and it would decrease what you have on the air already," Todd Olcott, a former disc jockey, told the panel. "Student involvement would not increase."

Some were concerned that the management change would limit student freedom and hands-on experience. Others feared the radio station's diverse programming would become too similar to that of KNPR's. A handful said they just want to know more about the takeover before regents vote on it.

Flo Rogers, president and general manager of Nevada Public Radio, said "20 intense months of evaluation" went into the agreement. The deal would bring financial stability to KUNV, she told the board.

"I think our proposal is strong," Rogers said later Friday. "We're really optimistic we're going to be having more conversations. I think it's a really great path forward for KUNV, and if there are other alternatives, I'm sure the university will make the best decision."

Contact Ana Ley at aley@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512. Find her on Twitter @la__ley.