Alpha Media Closes On Access 1 Stations

4-14-15

Portland-based Alpha Media announced Tuesday that the company closed on the purchase of nine radio stations from Access 1 Communications. The radio stations purchased include five stations located in Shreveport --  KBTT-FM, KOKA-AM, KDKS-FM, KLKL-FM, and KTAL-FM -- and four radio stations in Tyler-Longview -- KKUS-FM, KOOI-FM, KOYE-FM, and KYKX-FM.

Alpha Media Chairman Larry Wilson said of the transaction: "Chesley Maddox-Dorsey is a great person with superb integrity and it's a tremendous honor for us to be buying stations from Access 1. The quality of people I've met and their passion for the industry is impressive; it fits right in our sweet spot for live and local radio."

Upon the successful completion of all pending transactions, Alpha Media will own 96 radio stations and operate two others under LMAs.

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Hubbard Closes on 16 Minnesota Stations

1-27-2015

Hubbard Broadcasting closed on the sale of 16 Stations (11 FM / 5 AM) and 1 Translator in Four Minnesota Clusters from Omni Broadcasting for the closing price of $8 Million. The Alexandra/MN cluster included: KIKV-FM and KULO-FM. Bemidji/MN cluster: KKZY-FM, KLLZ-FM, WQXJ-FM, KBHP-FM, KBUN-AM and K235BP-FX. Brainerd/MN cluster: KLIZ-FM, WJJY-FM, KBLB-FM, KUAL-FM, KLIZ-AM and KVBR-AM. Wadena-Staples/MN cluster: KKWS-FM, KWAD-AM and KNSP-AM.

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Cincinnati Stations Air Free Spots For "The Interview"

12-30-14

On Christmas Day, five stations in Cincinnati (WRRM-FM, WGRR-FM, WOFX-FM, WNNF-FM, and WFTK-FM) started running no-charge commercials for Sony's movie ?The Interview.? Cumulus Cincinnati Market Manager Dave Crowl said, ?We support the decision of Sony to release the movie and as a tribute to the generations of Americans and their families who have fought to preserve our rights, we thought this is the least we could do.? Cumulus employees also wrote and voiced an editorial in support of the movie?s release.

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Bustos Adds Piolin on Six Stations

12-23-14

The recently re-syndicated Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo adds another six stations to his national roster. On January 5, Bustos Media will add Piolin's morning show to KZZD 97.5FM in Salem, OR, KZZR 94.3FM Portland, OR, KMIA 1210AM in Seattle, KDYK 93.7FM in Yakima, WA, KMMG 96.7FM Pasco/Tri Cities, Washington, and KZUS 92.3FM Wenatchee/Moses Lake, WA. Back on December 9 Entravision announced it would be syndicating Piolin's show on a national basis and launched him on 16 stations.

CEO Amador Bustos said, "In keeping with the season, it is truly a blessing to have Piolin back where he belongs, on local radio around the country. We are ecstatic to forge a partnership with this talented young man, who has done so much to u-lift his audience to succeed, as well as stand up for the rights of immigrants throughout the country."

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Hubbard Paying $8 Million For Omni Stations

11-18-14

The 16 Minnesota stations Hubbard Broadcasting is picking up from Omni Broadcasting will cost the company $8 million according to an FCC filing. Lou Buron is exiting the radio business, by selling to Hubbard. The stations are located in Alexandria, Bemidji, Brainerd and Wadena. That deal was announced last week and will be managed by Hubbard's VP and Market Manager in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dan Seeman.

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Hubbard Picks Up 16 Stations From Omni

11-13-14

With the purchase of 16 stations from Omni Broadcasting, Hubbard expands into the Alexandria, Bemidji, Brainerd, and Wadena, MN markets. Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Morris said, "Hubbard Broadcasting is deeply committed to local radio and to Minnesota, and this is a great opportunity to expand the company?s presence into some wonderful local communities. We have long admired Lou Buron and Mary Campbell, whose stations have been nationally recognized for both excellence in programming and commitment to local community service. We are committed to maintaining that dedication to excellence and community, and we look forward to welcoming all Omni employees to the Hubbard Broadcasting family.? The 16 stations involved in the transaction are: KIKV-FM 100.7, KULO-FM 94.3, KKZY-FM 95.5, KLLZ-FM 99.1, KBHP-FM 101.1, WQXJ-FM 104.5, KBUN-AM 1450, WJJY-FM 106.7, KLIZ-FM 107.5, KBLB-FM 93.3, KVBR-AM 1340, KUAL-FM 103.5, KLIZ-AM 1380, KKWS-FM 105.9, KWAD-AM 920, and KNSP-AM 1430.

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Alpha Purchases Buckley Stations in California

10-10-14

Larry Wilson's Alpha Media announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase radio stations from Buckley Broadcasting of California and Buckley Communications. Buckley Broadcasting and Buckley Communications own six radio stations; four stations located in Bakersfield, California which include KKBB(FM), KLLY(FM), KNZR(AM) and KNZR-FM and two radio stations in Merced, California; KHTN(FM) and KUBB(FM).

Wilson will add the Buckley clusters to the seventy stations (which includes two under LMAs) currently in the Alpha Media portfolio when all pending deals are completed, bringing the total number of stations owned by Alpha Media to seventy-four. Commenting on the acquisition, Wilson said, ?The Buckley clusters in California will be a great addition to the west coast footprint. Merced is a unique city with a thriving arts scene and adventurous community. As one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, Bakersfield is a rich and vibrant city full of live and local opportunities.?

Joseph Bilotta, President and CEO of Buckley Broadcasting and Communications said, ?In Alpha we will pass the mantle and stewardship of our broadcast facilities in Bakersfield and Merced, CA. We have owned these wonderful stations for over 20+ years and our employees, audiences and advertising partners will benefit from the energy and considerable

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NASH Morning Show Added To Four More Stations

7-9-14

All four are Cumulus stations. They are KSJO in San Francisco, KBBM in Columbia, MO, WSJR in Wilkes-Barre, and WJCL in Savannah. That brings the show, hosted by Blair Garner, up to 26 affiliated after launching about a year ago in New York City.

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Why More Stations For Clear Channel?

5-15-14

Some will ponder why Clear Channel is adding another 29 stations, in small markets, to its already industry leading total of 840. So far a few have speculated that Clear Channel likes the opportunity to have a group like Quantum for the cash flow it throws off. Others think, perhaps, they would turn around and sell them to raise a little cash. There has been discussion for years in the industry about Clear Channel spinning off some of its smaller market stations, however, with the market the way it is today, they would not even be able to get what they paid for them at the time. Here's a list of what Clear Channel will receive from Quantum in this deal.

Clear Channel picks up the following stations:
WCOD-FM, WCIB-FM, WXTK-FM and WEII-FM serving the Cape Cod
WWXM-FM, WGTR-FM, WRXZ-FM, WYNA-FM and WLQB-FM in Myrtle Beach, SC
WEGX-FM, WJMX-FM, WDAR-FM, WZTF-FM, WRZE-FM, WJMX-AM, WWRK-AM and WDSC-AM Florence, SC
WYNR-FM, WQGA-FM, WBGA-FM, WHFX-FM, WGIG-AM and WMOG-AM in Brunswick, GA
WKKR-FM, WMXA-FM, WCJM-FM, WZMG-AM, WTLM-AM and WPLV-AM in Auburn, AL and West Point, GA.

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Envision Helps Stations Connect With Listeners

5-14-14

Envision Networks and RadioTraks have announced an upgrade to E-Quest Alert, a system for listener engagement and interaction. E-Quest Alert features mobile and Web artist and song alerts as well as RequesTrak, a song request management system. Artist Alerts is a feature where an instant text notifies listeners when their favorite artists are scheduled to play. Song Alerts allow listeners to search the station?s Web or mobile app for their favorite songs or select from top requests. Alerts are delivered via text, e-mail, or Twitter. RequesTrak is a complete studio request, and alert management system that lets stations manage and keep track of their most-requested songs in the studio and online.

Stations interested in more information can visit goenvisionnetworks.com or contact Hannah Rosenthal at 216-831-3761 or hannahr@envisionradio.com.

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United Stations Adds Forgotten 45s

2-10-14

USRN will now be distributing a new weekend show for Oldies and Classic Hits stations called The Forgotten 45s. The program will be produced and hosted by Bobby Bitman who has worked in San Francisco, Tampa, and the Monterey Bay Area. In 1990, Bitman founded the Bitman Radio Show Prep Service, which is now also part of the United Stations Radio Network lineup of services. Bitman had been hosting The Forgotten 45s online for several years.

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Emmis Stations Join Beats Music

1-24-14

Northjersey.com is reporting that Emmis owned WQHT-FM (97.1) in New York and WPWR-FM (105.9) in Los Angeles are the "exclusive" hip-hop stations for the launch of Beats Music, curating a series of playlists on behalf of its deejays and brand. Beats Music launched this week on all iOS, Android and Windows phones and at beatsmusic.com, for $9.99 per month.

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L & L Closes on YMF Stations in Jackson

9-28-13

This one was announced back in July. L & L picked up WKXI (FM), WJMI (FM), WJNT (AM), WRKS (FM), WOAD (AM), and WJQS (AM) from YMF in Jackson, MS. Media Venture Partners represented YMF Media, LLC in this transaction. The price of the deal was $13 Million.

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Salem Re-Locates NY Stations To Manhattan

9-14-13

Salem Communications has reached an agreement to move it's two New York radio station studios and offices from Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey to lower Manhattan before the end of 2013.  The new offices and studio's will be located in the Trinity Building next to Trinity Church at 111 Broadway, where the studio's of WOR had been located since 2006. WOR is moving into the Clear Channel headquarters building. AM 570 WMCA and AM 970 "The Answer" WNYM will both be housed in the building adjacent to the historic Trinity Church and cemetery in lower Manhattan,  only blocks from ground zero and Wall Street. The building was originally constructed in 1905. 

The move marks a return to Manhattan for WMCA which moved to New Jersey in 1989. Salem VP Director of Spoken Word Format Phil Boyce said, "Salem has a major commitment to winning in New York and this move will help us take both stations to the next level. We know for years great radio came out of this building when it housed WOR and now we have the opportunity to continue that tradition with both WMCA and AM 970 The Answer. As an added plus, WMCA, known as New York's Christian Talk, will be re-locating next door to historic Trinity Church, founded in 1697,  as the oldest church in New York City. There is some divine providence going on here,  as WMCA,  which is licensed to the city of New York now moves next door to the oldest church." 

Former longtime WOR General Manager Jerry Crowley will be moving back home and taking over his old office,  as will his long time assistant Noelia Santelli who joined Salem only a month ago as Events Coordinator. Crowley said, "I am extremely pleased that the radio facility we built there when WOR moved in will continue to be operated as a great radio station,  only now with new call letters and frequencies. It is a joy for me to return to those halls and be able to utilize one of the top notch radio studio facilities in Manhattan,  now for my new company Salem Communications."

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Townsquare Picks Up 71 New Stations

8-30-13

Townsquare Media is picking up 71 new radio stations thanks to Cumulus' need to raise cash to purchase Dial Global. Townsquare Executive Vice President Alex Burkett tells Radio Ink, "We are excited about the brands we are acquiring and the teams that make those brands great. We hope to learn more about how these brands have been built and operate over time and hope to bring Townsquare?s growth oriented operating strategy into the mix going forward."

Townsquare announced three transactions with Cumulus and Peak II Holding which, upon consummation, will result in Townsquare acquiring assets including 71 radio stations in 15 markets. Pro forma for the Transactions, Townsquare will own 312 radio stations in 66 markets and have operations in 25 states, making it the third largest owner of radio stations in the United States and the largest, best-capitalized owner and operator of radio stations solely focused on small and mid-sized markets.
Townsquare CEO Steven Price said, "These transactions represent the continued evolution of Townsquare Media into one of the nation?s largest local media companies and allow us to reach a scale which opens the door to new strategic opportunities. The assets we are adding to our portfolio are market-leading brands with strong competitive positions in their respective small and mid-sized markets. We are excited by the opportunity to deploy our differentiated local-media strategy across a broader footprint in order to better serve our communities and our advertising clients."
In connection with the Transactions, Townsquare is acquiring assets including 53 radio stations (three of which will be assigned to a divestiture trust) in 12 markets (Battle Creek, MI; Cedar Rapids, IA; Danbury, CT; Faribault-Owatonna, MN; Kalamazoo, MI; Lansing, MI; Portland, ME; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, NH; Quad Cities, IA-IL; Rochester, MN; Rockford, IL; and Waterloo, IA) from Cumulus for cash. Townsquare is also acquiring Peak, which owns assets including 11 radio stations in 2 markets (Boise, ID and Fresno, CA) for cash and equity units of Townsquare. Finally, Townsquare will exchange certain assets including 5 radio stations, in Fresno it is acquiring from Peak, for Cumulus assets including 15 radio stations in two markets (Dubuque, IA and Poughkeepsie, NY) and a de minimis cash settle-up payment in favor of Townsquare. Intotal, Townsquare will be acquiring 68 stations from Cumulus, three of which will be assigned to a divestiture trust, and eleven Peak stations, five of which will be exchanged to Cumulus, resulting in a net increase of 71 stations.
Townsquare expects to finance the Transactions with a mix of secured and unsecured debt financing,Townsquare equity units and cash on hand. Townsquare has received debt financing commitments from its various financing partners in connection with the transactions and will complete its financing in compliance with the covenant package of Townsquare Radio LLC?s existing Senior Unsecured Notes indenture.

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Terry Peters To Run Six Stations For NRG

8-29-13

Mary Quass' NRG installs Terry Peters as the new Market Manager in Rhinelander, WI, where he'll take the helm of WRHN-FM, WRLO-FM, WHDG-FM, WLKD-FM, WMQA-FM, and WOBT-AM/FM. Peters said, ?I'm thrilled to be working with NRG Media in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which I?ve always considered one of the most beautiful spots on earth. With NRG?s killer brand of radio and digital assets we can offer this marketplace, it?s a dream job for me.? 

NRG COO Chuck DuCoty said, ?We have selected a manager for this important cluster who meets all of our criteria, including radio managerial experience, a broad depth of experience in industries important to our growth in radio and, equally important in this area, an understanding, appreciation, and love of the unique area and lifestyle that is the Northwoods of Wisconsin.?

Peters comes to Northwoods from a position as VP of Enrollment for AIB College of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. He has previously managed radio stations in Des Moines for Citadel, worked for Cox Radio and Cox Target Media in St. Petersburg, and held the position of Regional Vice President/General Manager of the Florida Region of Westwood One?s Metro Networks.

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No Changes Expected at Sandusky Stations

7-16-13

Hubbard will pick up 10 stations from privately held Sandusky Radio. The acquisition expands Hubbard Radio by adding five radio stations in Seattle and five in Phoenix. Hubbard Radio Board Chair Ginny Morris says, ?This is an exciting opportunity to expand Hubbard Radio into two Top 20 markets. We have known and respected the Rau/White family, Sandusky?s owners, for many years. We admire what they have accomplished and we are honored that they would agree to sell us these established stations. We are committed to maintaining the dedication to excellence and to community that Sandusky has made such an important part of their radio operations.?

The five Seattle stations involved in the transaction are: KIXI-AM 880; 92.5 KQMV-FM; 1150 KKNW-AM; 106.9 KRWM-FM; and 98.9 KLCK-FM. The five Phoenix stations are: 100.7 KSLX-FM; 97.9 KUPD-FM; 93.3 KDKB-FM; 1440 KAZG-AM; and 1060 KDUS-AM.

Bruce Reese, president and chief executive officer of Hubbard Radio, stated: ?Hubbard is excited about the chance to add these great stations to our existing operations in Chicago, Washington, DC, Minneapolis/St. Paul, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. Sandusky runs very successful radio stations, and we plan on continuing that precedent. We look forward to working with our new colleagues.?

Through the acquisition, Hubbard Radio will add 65 to 70 full time employees in each of the two markets. Reese said he expects no programming or personnel changes for any of the acquired stations. Hubbard Radio currently employs approximately 600 full-time employees.

Norman D. Rau, president of Sandusky Radio says: ?Hubbard Radio, a private family-owned business, holds very similar values as our business. Hubbard has nine family members directly involved in the Hubbard companies. We believe the future of our listeners, employees, and our customers could not be in better hands. As a significantly larger broadcasting company, Hubbard can give the Sandusky stations a potential for growth and scale that Sandusky on its own just could not give them.?

The sale will end Sandusky?s 36-year history as a radio broadcaster and allow it to concentrate on the continuing digital transformation of its local print and online newspaper and marketing franchises.

(7/16/2013 1:21:17 PM)
Not sure it is significant, but after Hubbard aquired the Bonneville properties, this transaction will have them competing with Bonneville in two of the four markets where Bonneville still operates stations.

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Variety: Seven Radio Disney Stations For Sale

6-4-13

Getting iPod-addicted kids to listen to the static-filled AM radio band has got to be challenging. So, much like Cox did last year, Disney is letting the market know it has properties it's ready to shed. Disney has been in a cost-cutting mode (and price-raising mode at its parks) According to Variety, six AM stations and one FM are on the market. The stations are located in Albany, New York; Kansas City, Little Rock (the only FM), Milwaukee, Richmond, Salt Lake City and San Antonio. Radio Disney also operates 24 stations in top 25 markets which are not part of this plan
?In the past year, we?ve driven new content delivery and ad sales revenue opportunities with Radio Disney Junior and the Radio Disney Music Awards, among others initiatives, and we intend to build on those opportunities while keeping our organization strong and focused on serving our listeners with programming that entertains and is appropriate for kids- and families,? said Phil Guerini, VP, programming and general manager, Radio Disney, in a statement.

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All Cumulus Stations Raising Money Today

5-29-13

Cumulus Media will raise money throughout the day today on all 525 radio stations. Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey said, "On behalf of all our employees and the communities we are privileged to serve, our hearts and prayers go out to the families and communities that lost loved ones. We hope our efforts help to bring much-needed relief to these communities. Radio?s power to help communities in need is truly inspiring."

The fundraising efforts on May 29th will feature local on-air personalities asking listeners to make donations for the survivors and families of the victims. At 8 p.m., all 84 Country stations will air a one-hour fundraising special hosted by Kix Brooks and co-hosted by KSCS/Dallas personality Hawkeye ? live from backstage at the ?Healing In The Heartland: Relief Benefit Concert.?

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Cumulus Rolls Out NASH Brand On 5 Stations

5-23-13

The plan was to roll out the NASH brand to more stations across the country and Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is keeping his word. Five Cumulus stations will now be known as NASH FM ? with their logos, websites, and on-air promotions using ?NASH FM? and ?Powered by NASH? language. They are WPKR/WPCK in Appleton-Oshkosh/Green Bay, KHKI-FM in Des Moines, WKAK-FM in Albany, GA, KQFC-FM in Boise, and WLXX-FM in Lexington. 

Dickey said, ?Following our debut of the NASH-FM brand earlier this year, we?re excited about expanding NASH to more radio stations as well as bringing NASH content to other forms of media, including video and magazines. Our listeners and advertisers will continue to benefit from the variety of on-air and off-air Country lifestyle content opportunities associated with the NASH brand.?

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