 Though KZLN/KMBH had always operated as noncommercial, public television stations, the 1979 decision to file for channel 60 instead of 44 meant that it operated on a non-reserved channel—unusual among PBS stations—allowing KMBH to be converted.The move raised questions about KMBH's continued operation as a PBS member, though it was stated that efforts would be made to keep PBS programming available in the Rio Grande Valley; KEDT in Corpus Christi also sought a potential purchase of the station.The proceeds from the sale were used to repay nearly $800,000 in grants to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.