AGREEMENT IS REACHED ON RADIO STATION'S OPERATION

Mark Huffman, president of Chartres Media Inc., said Friday a Local Marketing Agreement has been signed between Chartres Media and Withers Communications Inc. of Cape Girardeau to operate Chartres Media's Cape Girardeau FM radio station, KYRX, better known as Y-105.

"In effect, the agreement will allow Wither Communications to operate and market Y-105," said Huffman. "They will be responsible for the operation of the station, including talent, programming, sales, production, engineering and maintenance. Chartres Media will remain the licensee and legal owner of KYRX, Y-105, and as such will maintain its obligations and responsibilities for the station as far as Federal Communications Commission regulations are concerned."

KYRX is a contemporary-music station targeted toward an audience between the ages of 18 and 49. It is located at 104.7 on the FM dial.

The KYRX tower and transmitting facilities are situated in Scott County between New Hamburg and Chaffee. The Y-105 studios are now in West Park Mall; however, Huffman said they will be moved later this month to a new building constructed to house the KGMO/KAPE studios and sales offices on South Kingshigway. KGMO/KAPE are owned by Withers Communications.

Huffman said an operations manager will be appointed to oversee the daily operation of Y-105. The operations manager will report to Huffman and to KGMO-FM manager Rick Lambert.

Huffman said the agreement will allow him to accept another job opportunity while retaining an interest in Y-105. "My background is in the news media, and I have an opportunity to get back in that area, but I do not want to hire a manager to run the station in my absence," Huffman explained. "Who better to manage Y-105 than someone (Rick Lambert) who is already doing an outstanding job managing a successful radio station."

Huffman said the agreement will make it possible for the sales staff at KGMO/KAPE to offer a bonus sales package to advertisers that would include Y-105. "It's going to be good for local broadcasting, good for us, and good for KGMO/KAPE," he said. "It also means there will be one less radio salesman calling on area advertisers."

Huffman said the agreement between Chartres Media and Withers Communications is the first in the area. "They are beginning to pop up in some of the larger markets. I know there is one in Memphis," he said.