 In the late 1970s, the Ernsts sold their final two broadcast holdings, KWRB-TV and KRTR radio at Thermopolis for age and health reasons.A deal was reached in January 1978 to sell KWRB-TV to Strang Telecasting for $650,000.However, a petition to deny filing from Associated Christian Broadcasters delayed approval of the sale; having not been concluded in a year, the Ernsts canceled the contract and sought another buyer.