South Lake Tahoe radio stations KRLT, KOWL to be sold to local GM Steve Harness
Submitted by editor on Sun, 04/26/2015 - 1:52pm
Cherry Creek Radio has filed with the FCC to sell South Lake Tahoe based KRLT-FM and KOWL-AM to current General Manager, Steve Harness and a group of investors.
"I put together a group of investors and secured financing to make it possible," Harness told South Tahoe Now. "I've put eight years of sweat equity into both stations and I did not want to see that work undone by new owners."
Harness started his broadcasting career while still in high school. The 39-year old has worked at radio and television stations in Detroit, Seattle, Baltimore, San Francisco and many other smaller markets. He started with Cherry Creek Radio at KRLT/KOWL in the summer of 2007. While there he has held many positions including mid-day DJ, Program Director, Operations Manager. Harness was promoted to General Manager at the start of 2014.
Harnesa worked directly with Cherry Creek Radio owner, Joe Schwartz, on the acquisition of KRLT-FM and KOWL-AM.
“It was important to me that these stations go to a local owner/operator," said Schwartz. "That’s how they would serve the Tahoe community best and nobody is more suited to be the owner then Steve Harness. He’s been an outstanding employee for the last 8 years and has made the stations what they are today. He has our full support as he takes these heritage Tahoe radio stations to the next level.”
Harness and his wife, Jamie, had two children, Haley (9) and Crosby (5). Jamie is the manager of her family business, Ken's Tire Center.
"This will allow me to control the futures of KRLT and KOWL for the next 20 years or more," added Steve Harness. "I look forward to making our stations even more involved in our community."
The new LLC formed for the acquisition is called D & H Broadcasting. Steve Harness will control the majority share of the company while current afternoon DJ Stacy Lynn Driskill, is a minority share investor. Driskill, who has worked for the station for four years, will continue in her current position as on air talent.
Current DJ and comedian Howie Nave said he is excited about the change.
There will be no changes to the staff or programming as a result of this. He will officially take over as owner once the FCC change of ownership process is finished, which should be by July 1, 2015.
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