Radio merry-go-round in the works for Columbus OH

0

A three-way deal is in the offing that will add a signal in Ohio’s capital city for noncommercial WOSU Public Media. Meanwhile, a partnership between two commercial broadcasters will keep alive the format on the station being sold to the non-profit.


WOSU is ultimately owned and operated by Ohio State University.

WOSU has been splitting time on its WOSU-FM 89.7 between news and classical programming. But with a deal to acquire WWCD-FM 101.1, it will be able to go news/NPR full-time on its noncommercial band station, and focus on its classical offerings on the 101.1 frequency.

Meanwhile, WWCD owner Fun with Radio LLC will strike a deal to preserve the calls and alt-rock format of WWCD a few clicks up the dial to WCVZ. That facility, a B1 on 102.5 MHz, adds considerable punch to FWR’s signal – the 101.1 stick is a 6 kW Class A. WCVZ is licensed to Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting System, and according to a local report, it’s also known as WHIZ Media Group.

According to documents filed with the FCC, the price is $5.7M.

“This is a superb opportunity to enlarge the University’s outreach to Central Ohio and beyond,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. “WOSU has been a valuable community asset for nearly 90 years, and this new acquisition enables us to expand its reach in important ways.”

Public Radio Capital, a brokerage which specializes in non-profit broadcast transactions, represented the buyer, and Patrick Communications was on hand to work with the seller.

Editor’s note: corrected price based on FCC filing.

RBR-TVBR note: Now available RBR-TVBR’s ‘2010’ new guide to help chart a course through the treacherous waters of buying, owning and selling radio or television stations.

Click to purchase “Profitably Buying and Selling Radio Stations,” or 1-800-288-4677, ext. 5022 for $49.95, paperback, $39.95, e-book.