Judge Rejects KVIE Motion Over CapRadio’s News Radio Tower
Receivership motion by local PBS station fails to meet burden, Superior Court judge rules
Sacramento, CA – May 22, 2025: A Sacramento County Superior Court judge on Wednesday dismissed crucial arguments in KVIE’s ongoing litigation against CapRadio, rejecting a motion to force CapRadio to hand over its news radio tower rents through a receivership. This ruling further discredits KVIE’s false premise claiming ownership of the tower.
Interim General Manager Frank Maranzino called the determination a welcomed affirmation of the facts surrounding CapRadio’s long-time ownership, operation and maintenance of its primary public service news broadcasting tower.
“First and foremost, CapRadio remains committed to our public service mission and the delivery of our trusted, respectful and informative news coverage when our community needs it most,” Maranzino said. “With public media facing growing federal attacks and an uncertain future, there is no better moment for our region’s two cherished broadcasters to find a resolution and work together in service of our community.”
In denying the public television station’s motion filed in April, the court concluded that KVIE had not met its burden on three distinct issues: of demonstrating that its right to or interest in the tower is “probable”; of showing that the property is “in danger of being lost, removed or materially injured”; and, of showing that a receiver is “necessary to preserve the property or rights of any party.”
The court supported CapRadio’s argument that KVIE’s claim that maintenance was deferred was invalid and unsubstantiated. It was noted that KVIE’s president lacks sufficient personal knowledge to authenticate the claim, according to the ruling.
Source: Superior Court, Sacramento County. KVIE Real Property Holdings LLC Plaintiff/Petitioner(s) vs. Capital Public Radio, Inc. et al Defendant/Respondent(s)No. Date: Time: Dept: Judge: 24CV021356 05/21/2025 4:24 PM 53 Thadd A. Blizzard ORDER re: Ruling on Submitted Matter (Hearing on Motion to Appoint Limited Purpose Receiver) Taken Under Submission on 5/19/25. Entered 5/21/25.
About CapRadio
CapRadio is a mission-driven public media organization that exists to create more informed, involved and educated communities. It is the only nonprofit broadcaster in the region that operates a 20-person local newsroom and develops locally produced news, classical music and jazz shows. It connects with communities through 32 radio broadcast towers, live streaming, newsletters, on-demand audio, live experiences and more. CapRadio is recognized for its fact-based, nonpartisan news coverage, state politics and government accountability reporting that is aired daily by NPR stations throughout California, hyperlocal community-engaged journalism and locally hosted classical music and jazz programs. Each week, nearly 500,000 people in the greater Sacramento region choose CapRadio as a valued source of news, storytelling, music and events. It is an auxiliary organization of Sacramento State University.
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CONTACT:
Chris Bruno
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