EL PASO, Texas (August 13, 2026) – At its regular August meeting, The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the framework for an agreement between The University of Texas at El Paso and the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF) to jointly manage KTEP (88.5 FM), UTEP’s public radio station. The move builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organizations, which have partnered on several initiatives that have strengthened education and opportunity across the community over the past 50 years. The approval allows UTEP to negotiate the details of a Public Service Operation Agreement (PSOA) with EPCF.
UTEP and the EPCF have previously signed a Letter of Intent to explore the joint operation, where EPCF would be responsible for staffing, programming, fundraising and general operation of the station, and UTEP would be responsible for the tower and broadcasting facilities and maintaining the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license — which requires oversight of community programming.
“When federal funding for public radio went away, we started exploring how to keep this local service to the community in a way that is sustainable,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We have a close partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation and, working together creatively, we believe we can keep local public broadcasting alive and well. We appreciate their willingness to work together.”
“The Foundation has committed itself to working closely with UTEP and I believe we can enhance the value such an important asset in the community,” said Eric Pearson, President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. “We appreciate the trust that UTEP and the UT Board of Regents have put in us.”
In addition to continuing to provide local content, both UTEP and EPCF said under a potential PSOA, KTEP would continue to provide NPR programming. The station would also continue to provide internship and work-study opportunities for UTEP students.
Both UTEP and EPCF said they hope to execute an agreement reasonably soon.
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