During the Emmis Communications quarterly conference call, one investor asked about a recent story in RBR-TVBR uggesting that Merlin Media might try to acquire the LMA/purchase rights that Mexico’s Groupo Radio Centro holds to Emmis’ KXOS-FM Los Angeles. First off, it’s not up to Emmis, but the company’s top executives don’t see the scenario as being likely.
“We have a contract with Groupo. That would totally be their call,” said Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan.
Noting that the KXOS staff shares office space with Emmis’ KPRW-FM “Power 106” LA, CFO Pat Walsh added his personal observations about Groupo Radio Centro. “These are really successful operators in Mexico. They’re very passionate in LA today. There are billboards for Exitos 93.9 all over Los Angeles. I sense they’re very committed to make this work,” he said.
The CFO also noted that Emmis had not had any discussions with Groupo Radio Centro about transferring its rights under their contract to another party.
