Maple Knoll currently operates WMKV, a station serving the Cincinnati area. WMKV is the first in the nation licensed to a retirement community and dedicated to playing Big Band and “nostalgia” programs dating back to the 1940s, according the company’s website.
Under the three-year deal, Lakota will be paid $15,000 and retain the station’s license, said Lakota interim Superintendent Ron Spurlock.
The agreement will have Maple Knoll bringing in staff members and doing all new programming for the station. However, Lakota will retain “ultimate control of the station’s activities and operations,” according to the contract.
Meanwhile, Lakota is gearing up to start an Internet-based station with the help of Maple Knoll’s employees.
WMKV and Maple Knoll representatives were not available for comment Monday night.
Maple Knoll is also contractually obliged to offer internship opportunities for those in the district wanting to learn more about the industry.
Radio professionals will also be asked to speak to the Lakota High School Radio Club, according to the agreement.
Lakota board President Joan Powell said she was pleased with the way the deal turned out.
“(Radio) licenses are hard to come by, so I’m glad we could hang onto it,” she said.
Maple Knoll will be paying the district an increasing amount of money within the next three years.
The agreement calls for $3,000 at the start of the second year after the contract is finalized and $12,000 to be paid at the beginning of the third year.
Subsequent renewal payments are to be negotiated as seen fit.
The actual site, however, will remain in Lakota’s name. The district will still be held responsible for rent payments and anything regarding the physical location, its upkeep and maintenance.
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