A Class D AM with a booming daytime signal and miniscule nighttime output, buffeted by an FM translator, until February 2 served Atlanta as the home “for the hits that make your heart beat.”
The facilities were home to Spanish-language Adult Contemporary brand “Vida,” which has used a digital app specifically targeting Hispanic Atlanta with its locally originating audio programming in addition to its over-the-air signals.
“Vida” is now an online-only offering, now that its broadcast homes have been sold. In its place: English-language Talk programming.
An asset purchase agreement dated January 31, filed Tuesday (2/18) with the FCC, shows that WTZA-AM 1010 and FM translator W227DN at 93.3 MHz in Norcross, Ga., are being sold by Oscar Zelaya-led K&Z Broadcasting.
K&Z has operated “Vida” for six years, and had been tied to the popular Vida Fest event, which has seen upward of 60,000 attendees. The last event was held in 2018.
What lies ahead for Vida is no longer in question, as RC Media Partners is obtaining the AM and translator for $352,500. A $35,000 deposit has been made to Beth Griffin of Griffin Media Partners, the broker in this transaction.
The funds will be used to allow Vida to continue in the digital realm.
Griffin represented K&Z in the deal. The licensee’s legal counsel is John C. Trent of Putbrese Hunsacker & Trent.
The buyer is led by CEO William Regan, and already has wtza.net reserved for the stations he is already operating via a Time Brokerage Agreement, which will expire upon the deal’s closing. Regan’s legal counsel is Dan J. Alpert.
WTZA’s now “The Talk of Atlanta,” and since February 3 has been serving the market with programming far different than the soft Spanish-language ballads Vida had been airing.
In the 7am-10am slot Mondays-Thursdays is conservative talk host Shannon Burke; Fridays go to Kara “In Studio” with a guest. Mike Brooks takes the 1pm-4pm slot, while Atlanta market veteran comedy and conservative talk program The Kimmer Show — with Pete Davis and Jim Gossett — is in the 4pm-7pm time period.
The 10am-1pm time period is presently in on-air audition mode, with candidates including J.D. Hayworth, Flat Earth Jamie, and The Rob Carson Show.
