A low-power TV station in Ohio’s state capital offering digital multicast network Bounce on its main signal and Telemundo, Justice Network and Quest across three DT signals has just been sold.
The buyer may surprise you … or not. It’s no stranger to television, but has focused its efforts until now on two cable TV networks.
In a transaction that sees Greg Guy of Patrick Communications serve as the exclusive broker, WQMC-LD 23 in Columbus, Ohio is being sold by Guardian Enterprise Group to a licensee with the name Blue Chip Broadcasting Ltd. for $475,000.
However, a close examination of the Form 314 filing made Dec. 30 with the FCC shows that Blue Chip is an alias for none other than Urban One.
Signing off on the purchase: EVP/Chief Administration Officer Karen Wishart.
An asset purchase agreement dated Dec. 19 shows the Richard Schlig-led Guardian agreeing to a deal handing WQMC to Blue Chip — an Ohio-based LLC which is paying a $25,000 escrow deposit held with Spectrum Media LLC.
The remainder will be paid at closing.
Why is Urban One acquiring the station, and through a different licensee name?
Sonya Harris, a member of the Urban One legal department, declined to comment when reached by RBR+TVBR. Harris is shown as the contact for Blue Chip on the Form 345 filing with the FCC made Dec. 30, 2019.
With WQMC-23, Urban One is effectively acquiring its first broadcast station. Could it serve as a broadcast home for its newly launched Cleo TV MVPD-distributed offering, or perhaps its TV One cable channel, fully acquired by Urban One in February 2015?
While it is possible, the Katz Broadcasting-distributed Bounce TV network — whose parent is The E.W. Scripps Co. — is perhaps viewed as a revenue enhancement agent for Urban One in Columbus.
In the market, the Radio One division operates Gospel WJYD-FM “Joy 107.1,” Urban Adult Contemporary WXMG-FM “Magic 95.5,” and Urban WCKX-FM “Power 107.5” and simulcast partner WBMO-FM 106.3 in London, Ohio.
All are licensed to Blue Chip, confirming that the LPTV station will be paired with the three radio brands in Columbus.
WXMG and WJYD were acquired by Urban One’s Blue Chip in November 2015, and were previously owned by Wilks Broadcasting.
