Mayor Becker says 'no' to KCPW

Becker says 'no' to loan for local public radio station | ksl.com

The month of October is a roller coaster ride for KCPW.

First Salt Lake's Redevelopment Agency says they will give the station a short term loan. Then Lawyers for the city say hold the phone, the Redevelopment Agency may be stepping beyond it's authority. The City seemed ready on Tuesday to approve the loan. Today Mayor Ralph Becker said he could not approve the loan. He will veto it. Now station President Ed Sweeney says a private individual is stepping forward to loan the station the money they need to cover their outstanding debt short term.

KCPW Loan Pulled Back?

The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that attorney's found restrictions on using redevelopment funds to cover the station’s operating expenses. Last week KCPW was given a $220,000 loan by The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City. City officials are looking at other options to loan the station money. Station manager Ed Sweeney expressed disappointment at the turn of events.
KCPW did raise $250,000 during its fall fund drive. Apparently that amount is short of what the station needs to meet its loan obligation.

KCPW Could Default on Loan

Utah public radio stations see drop in donations

• KCPW could default on its loan.
• Membership dollars are off by over $200,000.
• KCPW goes head to head with KUER in Salt Lake City for the NPR News listener.
• KUER has also seen a drop in membership dollars.