The local broadcast radio station ownership group led by Mary Quass has completed the sale of two FM stations, an FM translator, and an AM radio station in Illinois to a company that shares its name with a large Canadian media operation but is owned by John Rung and focuses on the Midwestern U.S.
Shaw Local Radio Company has closed on its $950,000 purchase of the following stations from NRG Media, in a deal brokered by Kalil & Co.:
- Class D WIXN-AM 1460 in Dixon, Ill.
- Class A WRCV-FM 101.7 in Dixon, Ill.
- FM translator W236DM at 95.1 MHz in Dixon, Ill.
- Class A WSEY-FM 95.7 in Oregon, Ill.
The sale of three Illinois radio stations was finalized on May 20. This comes around one year after Shaw’s April 2023 acquisition of eight radio signals in La Salle County from Studstill Media for $1.8 million.
Shaw Media, the parent company of Shaw Local Radio, publishes newspapers, magazines, and websites, and operates radio stations in Northern Illinois and Central Iowa. Founded in 1851, is the third oldest continuously owned and operated family newspaper company in the nation.
Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP’s David Oxenford served as legal counsel to Shaw.
NRG Media CEO Mary Quass commented, “What a terrific partnership… the acquisition of great local radio stations by a legacy brand in Shaw Media. All of us at NRG Media are so delighted that the professionals at both the radio stations and the newspaper continue to serve the Dixon area for years to come.”
Shaw Media VP and Chief Product Officer J. Tom Shaw added, “It’s an honor to serve the Sauk Valley community with local radio in addition to online, newspapers, and magazines. These stations have incredible connections with the community, and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality local news, information, and now music to the Sauk Valley community.”
