Blount Masscom Inc. is spinning off WNEB-AM Worcester MA in a deal that features an undercard transaction of some interest. The buyer of WNEB is Emmanuel Communications Inc., headed by Raymond J. Lauring.
According to broker John Pierce, who represented the buyer, the price will be $500K cash. Emmanuel will be bringing a Catholic format to the station, which resides on 1230 kHz.
Pierce said that Blount will continue to have a presence in several New England markets, with six stations scattered throughout Providence RI, Portland ME, Manchester NH, and Bridgeport CT.
The contract notes that Blount expects to enter into the Hartford CT market via the acquisition of WDZK-AM Bloomfield CT, a Radio Disney station licensed to operate on 1550 kHz but which is currently silent. It is one of the stations Disney has announced was on the block. The WDZK transaction is as yet unannounced and no contract has been filed with the FCC.
As is common when the opportunity presents itself, Blount and Emmanuel have promised to try to work the deals as a like-kind exchange.
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