On April 19, RBR+TVBR exclusively reported on the sale of WNUE-FM 98.1 in Deltona, Fla., as part of Entravision’s wind down of operations in the Orlando DMA.
The buyer is the operator of a “positive & encouraging Christian radio” non-commercial Contemporary Christian Music network, and programming has already shifted from secular Spanish-language programming.
Now, this Christian broadcast ministry is growing again, with the addition of FMs in the Treasure Coast and in the state capital.
DETAILS MATTER. Dare to compare our coverage to the other trade publications. Like what you see here? Become a RBR+TVBR Member and get all of the details for every radio and TV industry transaction that matters to you today.
Radio Training Network Inc., a Georgia-based non-profit corporation that owns The Joy FM, is agreeing to purchase WTSM-FM 97.9 in Woodville, Fla., presently an ESPN Radio affiliate, and Adult Contemporary WHLG-FM 101.3 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
WTSM is a Class A covering Tallahassee from the southeast. WHLG’s Class A signal covers Martin and St. Lucie Counties, including Stuart and Fort Pierce; it is not to be confused with the original WHLG, at 102.3, which is today WMBX-FM.
The seller is licensee WJZT Communications, and licensee WHLG FM LLC, doing business as Horizon Broadcasting Co., led by Christopher D. Smith.
The deal was struck on May 5, with an asset purchase agreement posted to the FCC’s LMS after hours on Tuesday (5/11).
With Melissa G. Repp representing the seller, Horizon is pocketing $1.3 million from the asset sales.
A $65,000 escrow deposit is being held by Fowler Media Consulting, led by Todd Fowler, the buyer’s broker. Representing the seller is industry veteran Jay Meyers, of Broadcast Management & Technology.
With the divestments, Horizon’s holdings are reduced to WSBH-FM 98.5 in Satellite Beach, Fla., and WGSX-FM 104.3 in Lynn Haven, Fla. The station serve Melbourne and Panama City Beach, respectively.
For The Joy FM, the Florida footprint will now extend to the Panhandle, and closer to South Florida.
Listener-supported, The Joy FM in 2021 celebrates its 35th year of operation.
