A non-profit entity dedicated to Christian-based radio programming based in Lakeland, Fla., has built a healthy array of radio stations across the Sunshine State, in addition to stations in Atlanta; Dothan, Ala.; Springfield, Mo.; Augusta, Ga.; and properties in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
A big addition of the Florida stations is a Class C2 facility covering the Jacksonville market. Until now, it’s been owned by the No. 2 owner of radio stations in the U.S. That’s just changed.
In a deal finalized in July and filed with the FCC on Tuesday (8/21), Radio Training Network Inc. is purchasing WCRJ-FM 88.1 in Jacksonville from Delmarva Educational Association.
The transaction formally brings WCRJ in to the family of owned-and-operated Christian Contemporary stations branded as “The Joy FM.”
RTN is purchasing WCRJ for $2.25 million. A $100,000 escrow deposit is being held by Fletcher Heald & Hildreth. The balance is due at closing.
RTN will assume the WCRJ tower lease from DEA as part of this deal.
While Davina Sashkin at FHH served as legal counsel for DEA, Wray Fitch of Gammon & Grange PC served as the legal counsel for RTN.
DEA remains the owner of WNTW-AM in Chester, Va.; WTRJ-FM in Orange Park, Fla.; WAYL-FM in St. Augustine, Fla.; WATY-FM in Folkston, Ga.; and WWIP-FM in Cheriton, Va.
WCRJ adopted “The Joy FM” on August 1. Before that, it was an affiliate of Educational Media Foundation‘s Air1 Christian Top 40 format.
For Air1 listeners in Jacksonville, the new home for the nationally distributed noncomm format is W208AV at 89.5 MHz, licensed to San Jose, Fla. It formally is a rebroadcast partner of the HD2 signal for KLOVE O&O WJKV-FM 90.9 in Jacksonville.
WCRJ’s acquisition comes following the $135,000 purchase on June 21 of KCKJ-FM 89.5 in Sarcoxie, Mo., from Lake Area Educational Broadcasting Foundation.
