New owners shrink KSPR staff by 14

KY3 Inc. and Perkin Media have signed a definitive agreement that gives KY3 all of KSPR’s non-FCC assets and gives Perkin Media the station’s intellectual property and FCC license.

The transaction is pending regulatory approval and is expected to be complete in first-quarter 2007.

The sale of the station doesn’t include KSPR employees.

KY3 Inc. President and General Manager Mike Scott said 47 of KSPR’s 65 staff members were rehired Sept. 29. Four others were hired at either Perkin Media or Piedmont Television, KSPR’s holding company.

Several KSPR employees did not apply for jobs under the new management, but others were let go because they held positions already filled at KY3. Those duplicate positions included general manager Dave Tillary and general sales manager Lee Riddick, Scott said.

The two stations are in the process of moving part of KSPR’s operations at 1359 St. Louis St. to the KY3 facility, 999 W. Sunshine. The stations will continue to operate at both locations, but Scott said there are long-term plans to expand KY3’s building to accommodate KSPR.

Meanwhile, Scott said KSPR will receive some equipment upgrades, including a conversion to high-definition broadcasting capability.

“We want to invest in the product and the people,” he said. “(KSPR employees) are very enthused and energetic, and if we can combine that with a few new resources, we’re pretty excited about the future.”

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Oct. 5 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.