12-1-14
WKIX-FM 102.9 (Classic Hits) has been purchased by Curtis Media Group from McClatchey Broadcasting. Simultaneous to acquiring WKIX, Curtis Media Group has sold 102.3 FM to Triangle Marketing Associates. This sale was required to comply with FCC single-market ownership limits. Curtis says it will not be changing the format WKIX. Sale prices were not revealed in either announcement. Curtis Media owns five FMs and three AMs that cover the Raleigh market.
Billy McClatchey exits the broadcasting business to focus on his work with Chaucer Creek Capital. Triangle Marketing Associates is owned by Rick Heilmann. The station will go silent while Heilmann relocates to new offices and studios, and will likely return to the air within 30 days with a yet-to-be-determined format. This marks a return of 102.9 to Curtis Media Group. This station was acquired by McClatchey in a three-way transaction in 2010 between Curtis, McClatchey, and Capitol Broadcasting. In that transaction, Curtis traded its interest in 102.9 for the North Carolina News Network and 850 AM. Capitol acquired WDNC and WCLY and the programming operation of 850 AM The Buzz.
