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During his decade-long stint as a meteorologist at KWTV Channel 9, Brady Brus knew his future held something more for him than just standing in front of a green wall forecasting Oklahoma's ever- changing weather. While Brus never seriously entertained the thought that one day he might have the opportunity to own and operate his own television station, he now finds himself in that very position as president of a new company that has taken over Oklahoma City's only independently owned television station.
On March 12, Family Broadcasting Group completed its buyout of KSBI Channel 52 from Locke Supply.
It was a year-and-a-half journey since I left my previous place of employment, recalls Brus. During that time I had many more opportunities to do other things, and I turned down those opportunities because I knew this is what we were supposed to do.
When Locke Supply decided it was time to sell the station founded by Don Locke as a ministry in Christian programming, Brus faced several competitors - including some national corporations. But Locke's board of directors was seeking a buyer that would uphold the integrity of the station's family programming.
We went to Locke Supply and told them what our plans were for the station in that we would run it as a true commercial entity that would focus on family-friendly programming, he explains. I think that after they got to know our group and realized our business plan, they chose to go with us and I'm very grateful for that.
While Locke Supply gave its nod to Family Broadcasting in January 2003, the deal was delayed by a freeze put on all television station ownership transfers. But through a lease management agreement with Locke Supply, that July Brus began implementing...