The local "Friends of KUSF" group has raised enough doubt about the LMA prior to closing for the FCC to question the "Public Service Operating Agreement." Audio Division Chief Peter Doyle has written seller University of San Francisco and USC-owned buyer Classical Public Radio Networks, and Doyle is asking for answers to 15 questions about the agreement. Doyle says "the terms present issues involving the parties' compliance with Commission rules and policies concerning the operation and control" of non-commercial KUSF.

Entercom began this series of moves by handing over its KDFC classical franchise to L.A.-based Classical Public Radio Networks, which hopes to acquire KUSF and run it with a second FM it bought in the Santa Rosa market. Both stations are already being operated in the classical format. The FCC is giving the University of San Francisco and Classical Public Radio Networks 30 days to respond to the letter, and it's likely that the inquiry will at least the delay the closing of the controversial deal. The University began the "Public Service Operating Agreement" on January 18, with virtually no notice to staffers or listeners of the former variety-programmed KUSF. There have already been several petitions to deny the sale. Read the FCC's letter here.