The Friends of KSPS, the nonprofit fundraising arm of KSPS-TV, has taken over as licensee of the Spokane, Wash., pubcaster from the local school district.
The FCC approved the transfer, which includes the broadcast license, transmitter, tower and equipment. It was finalized Sept. 1.
As part of the transition, the Friends of KSPS Board appointed Gary Stokes general manager. Stokes has been executive director of the Friends organization since August 2011. He replaces Claude Kistler, who retired Aug. 31 after 46 years at KSPS, with the last 33 as g.m.
As part of the transfer, KSPS will continue to produce educational outreach programs for Spokane Public Schools.
KSPS’s coverage area includes 2 million homes throughout the Inland Northwest and Canada. About half of viewership comes from Canada, where KSPS is carried on cable.