Over the past eight months, there has perhaps been no more active acquisitor of television stations than Bridge News LLC, led by the individual who serves as CEO of the NewsNet digital multicast network. Thanks to funding from Bridge News LLC Chairman Manoj Bhargava, the creator of 5-hour ENERGY, Bhargava and NewsNet head Vince Bodiford have gone on a shopping spree since September 2022.
The latest purchase, submitted for FCC approval on Wednesday, involves a group of low-power TV stations in California and a Boise, Idaho, property being sold by a diginet pioneer.
With Dan J. Alpert as Bridge News’ legal counsel, a deal has been reached that sees it acquiring seven low-power TV stations from Gary Cocola and his Cocola Broadcasting Companies.
Serving as Cocola’s legal counsel is Mark Denbo of Smithwick & Belendiuk P.C.
With the Commission’s blessing, Bridge News will use the following properties as owned stations for NewsNet:
| Call Sign | Facility ID | File Number | Service | City, State |
|---|
| KJOU-LD | 130272 | 0000213232 | LPD | BAKERSFIELD, CA |
| KSAO-LD | 34578 | 0000213233 | LPD | SACRAMENTO, CA |
| KJEO-LD | 20559 | 0000213234 | LPD | FRESNO, CA |
| KWSM-LD | 31355 | 0000213235 | LPD | SANTA MARIA, CA |
| KKIC-LD | 74409 | 0000213236 | LPD | BOISE, ID |
| KMBY-LD | 168787 | 0000213237 | LPD | Monterey, CA |
| KKDJ-LD | 41123 | 0000213238 | LPD | SANTA MARIA, CA |
A $3.2 million purchase price was agreed upon by both parties. Tower lease agreements are included in the transaction.
Serving as the broker in this transaction is Scott Barbee and Sterling BCG LLC.
Cocola Broadcasting was founded some 40 years ago by Gary Cocola. With this transaction, he will continue to own multiple LPTV facilities in Fresno in addition to full-power KGMC-43; several LPTVs and KKJB-39 in Boise, Idaho; KYMB-LD in Monterey; and four LPTV stations in Bakersfield.
However, the sale of KKIC and KWSM could impact Estrella TV coverage in the Boise and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo DMAs, as those stations are being spun to Bridge News.
