On May 26, 2023, Bob Bittner, the owner and operator of five radio stations on the kHz-based dial — each with FM translators — passed away.
His holdings include a 1kw Class C AM on Cape Cod, along with its FM translator. Those facilities have found a buyer, and it is a familiar figure to those in the radio industry across New England.
Bob Bittner Broadcasting has agreed to sell WBAS-AM 1240 in West Yarmouth, Mass., and companion FM translator W268CP at 106.5 MHz, to GCJH Inc. for $130,000.
A $30,000 escrow deposit has been made by the buyer. A local marketing agreement will go into effect on February 14, allowing the purchaser to take over operations ahead of closing.
Who is behind GCJH? It’s Gary Hanna, who engineered the acquisition three years ago of WGTX-FM on Cape Cod. Under GCJH control, this station shifted from “102.3 The Dunes” to “X102.3” while keeping a Classic Hits presentation in place.
X102.3 will be simulcast on WBAS and W268CP, Hanna says.
“I am very pleased to be bringing the greatest hits on earth to more locations on Cape Cod, and I am proud of the incredible work our staff has done in order to make this possible,” Hanna said. “I got into radio for the love of music, and I am happy to be able to share my passion with so many new listeners.”
Speaking of the late Bob Bittner, Hanna continued, “Bob was a remarkable man who created something even more remarkable in spite of the challenges facing radio station owners these days.”
What will become of Bittner’s “Memories” format? It will live on using WGTX HD3, accessible via mobile app and streaming capabilities.
Raisa Bittner, Bob’s widow, signed off on the transaction for Bob Bittner Broadcasting.
Serving as the buyer’s legal counsel is Mark Balkin of Hardy Carey Chautin and Balkin.
