He’s described as a “pillar of the Tulsa business community for nearly four decades” and recognized as a “visionary entrepreneur and optometrist.” It appears Dr. Robert H. Zoellner clearly sees the potential for strong cash flow and advertiser ROI associated with four local radio brands.
He’s just bought them from the Apollo Global Management-controlled Cox Media Group.
Zoellner Media Group has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the four CMG radio stations in Tulsa.
When the transaction closes, Zoellner Media Group will acquire:
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- News/Talk KRMG-AM 740 and KRMG-FM 102.3
- Country KWEN-FM “K95.5”
- Hot Adult Contemporary KRAV-FM “Mix 96.5”
- Classic Hits KJSR-FM “The Eagle 103.3”
This acquisition marks “a significant start” for Zoellner Media Group, reinforcing its commitment to local broadcasting and digital media excellence, the company said in an announcement distributed on Monday.
The company will be owned by Dr. Robert H. Zoellner, who opened his first optometry clinic in 1991. Since then, he’s built his businesses on the power of radio advertising and has long championed the value of local broadcast radio.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible radio stations into the Zoellner Media Group family,” said Dr. Zoellner. “Radio has played a crucial role in my business success, and I have always been passionate about its ability to connect communities and drive meaningful engagement. This acquisition allows us to build upon a legacy of excellence while fostering innovation across broadcast and digital platforms. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
To lead Zoellner Media Group’s new radio group, Dr. Zoellner has appointed Steve Hunter as President and General Manager. Hunter knows a thing or two about these stations, as he served for 22 years as Director of Operations at Cox Media Group in Tulsa and for seven years with Griffin Media. “His deep-rooted expertise in local broadcasting and the Tulsa market will be instrumental in shaping Zoellner Media Group’s vision for the future,” Zoellner Media said.
CMG President/CEO Dan York commented, “One of the reasons Zoellner Media Group is the right transaction partner is their intent to invest in our Tulsa radio stations to build on the momentum the Tulsa team has established. We share the belief that there’s a strong future for our radio stations and our people serving the Tulsa community.”
The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close early in the second half of 2025. Details regarding the price Zoellner paid were not immediately available.
Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented Zoellner Media Group.
Cox acquired KRMG-AM & FM and KWEN-FM in 1997 for $3.5 million, creating a five-station group as it purchased KJSR in 1995, changing that station from KTFX-FM, and KRAV was added in 1996.
