For a generation of Southern Nevada residents, Stephens Media LLC is known as the former owner of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
There’s another company, based in Tulsa, named Stephens Media Group that is about to become the better-known of the similarly named entities. It just grabbed 14 radio stations in Washington State, and will now have a stable of 41 properties — including its four FMs in its home market.
In a transaction that has not yet been filed with the FCC, SMG is acquiring the properties that comprise Ingstad Radio Washington — a.k.a. Radio Yakima and Radio Tri-Cities.
In Yakima, SMG is adding Country KXDD-FM 104.1, CHR/Rhythmic KHHK-FM 99.7, Classic Hits KARY-FM 100.9 “Cherry FM,” Classic Rock KRSE-FM 105.7 “The Hawk,” ESPN Deportes Radio affiliate KTCR-AM 980, and Sports Talk KBBO-AM 1390 “The Fan.”
In the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash., market, SMG is grabbing CHR/Rhythmic KUJ-FM “Power 99.1,” Classic Rock KEGX-FM “Eagle 106.5,” Country KIOK-FM 94.9, Classic Hits KALE-FM 106.1, ESPN Radio affiliate KJOX-AM 1340, and Hot AC KKSR-FM 95.7 “More FM.”
HD2 and HD3 brands serving the Yakima market are also factored in to the purchase.
A purchase price is not yet disclosed.
SMG began operating the stations via an LMA on Sunday (4/1).
“These radio stations represent exactly what we look for when buying,” said Stephens Media Group owner David Stephens. “A diverse portfolio of formats, a strong commitment to the community, and an accomplished team already in place give us everything we need for a successful launch.”
Jim Ingstad is the owner of Ingstad Radio Washington, and with this sale he is left with radio stations in Fargo, N.D.
“We’ve enjoyed working with the great people at Tri Cities and Yakima,” said Ingstad Radio Washington COO Nancy Odney. “We’re confident to hand off this high quality operation to Stephens Media Group, knowing they will continue their commitment to great local radio.”
MVP Capital represented Ingstad Radio Washington in this transaction.
The acquisition of the Ingstad properties gives Stephens Media Group a total of 41 stations over eight markets in Oklahoma, New York, and Washington.
Its home market is Tulsa, where the company owns and operates Christian Contemporary KXOJ-FM 94.1, Sports KYAL-FM 97.1, Alternative KMYZ-FM 104.5 “The Edge,” and “Totally Awesome 80’s” KTSO-FM 100.9.
In the Empire State, Stephens Media Group operates a four-station cluster in Watertown, N.Y.; three FMs in Ogdensburg, N.Y.; two FMs and an AM in Massena, N.Y. (just south of the Canadian capital of Ottawa); and WFKL-FM, WRMM-FM & WZNE-FM in Rochester, N.Y.
