A successful privately owned radio broadcasting company active across some of Idaho’s biggest markets is sporting a new name.
The change for what had been Locally Owned Radio LLC comes as the result of an official “handing of the keys” to a new management team for the Twin Falls, Idaho market, and the retirement of two principals involved in the entity until now.
Larry and Stephanie Johnson have held attributable interest in Locally Owned Radio, and they’ve decided to step aside.
As a result, Locally Owned Radio is technically no more — it’s now known as Iliad Media Group.
Why the change? A new management entity has been created, under the name Iliad Media Management LLC. This will oversee both Iliad Media Group and what will continue to be called Impact Radio Group, a collection of radio stations in Boise under common ownership.
The Twin Falls stations are comprised of KIKX-FM 104.7 “BOB FM,” KIRQ-FM “Q 106.7”, KTPZ-FM 92.7 “The Music Monster,” KYUN-FM 102.1 “The Bull,” KYUN-HD2 “I-Rock 105.1,” and KYUN-HD3 “95.1 The Breeze.”
The Twin Falls-Sun Valley, Idaho market is ranked No. 248 by Nielsen. Iliad competes with Townsquare Media, owner of three FMs — including top-ranked Country KEZJ-FM — and News/Talk KLIX-AM.
While Impact and Iliad will retain separate branding, the station groups in Boise and Twin Falls, respectively, will now see synchronous management directed by CEO Darrell Calton. In Twin Falls, Crystal Castorena will serve as GM. Until now, Twin Falls and Boise operated independent of each other.
“What an honor it is to add such tried and true heritage stations to our broadcasting family,” Calton said. “My entire team is looking forward to continuing the good work done by Locally Owned Radio and will be resolute in our goal of being a supportive and respectful member of the Magic Valley community. We are humbled at the opportunity to enter such a rapidly growing, innovative, and robust community.”
Larry Johnson commented, “We are pleased to hand over management to Darrell and his exceptional team. They are experienced operators that will maintain the ongoing success of these stations.”
Larry and Stephanie Johnson had been at the helm of Locally Owned Radio since August 2003. Impact Radio Group has been operating in Idaho since March 1999.
FROM THE RBR+TVBR ARCHIVES:
