In September 2024, RBR+TVBR first shared the news that a 100kw FM with a signal that reaches Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas, is being acquired by the largest Hispanic media company in the region. It is now known that the buyer needs a little more time to complete the transaction.
Great Plains Media last autumn signed off on an agreement that will see KKSW-FM 105.9 in Lawrence, Ks., end up in the hands of Reyes Media Group.
In recent years this FM has been a Top 40 station devoting its coverage to Northeast Kansas from the home of the University of Kansas, in Lawrence. The station across the 1980s and much of the 1990s was KLZR, airing an Alternative format as “105.9 The Lazer.”
Under Reyes’ ownership, KKSW is expected to adopt a format of appeal to the growing Hispanic population in Northeast Kansas and in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Reyes’ properties there include two AMs (one leased from Audacy Inc.), and an additional AM in Mission, Kansas: KDTD 1340 AM “La Grande”; KYYS 1250 AM “La X”; and KCZZ 1480 AM “Dos Mundos Radio.”
While company President Edward M. Reyes has agreed to pay $2.25 million for KKSW and has placed an escrow deposit of $112,500 with Great Plains’ broker, Fowler Media Consulting, it filed an Extension of Consummation filing with the FCC on February 21. The agency accepted the filing, made on behalf of Reyes by Francisco Montero of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.
Great Plains Media has been the owner since 2005, when the station was spun from Zimmer Radio Group. And, Reyes fully intends on acquiring the station. The deal’s original terms included a clause that stated that, should $62,500 not be timely deposited, Great Plains Media may unilaterally request dismissal of the FCC Application; Reyes and its officers, directors or shareholders would not take any action to oppose the dismissal of the FCC Application. Furthermore, the $50,000 payment will remain in Great Plains’ possession as a termination payment.
At present, “105.9 KISS FM” is airing a blend of Top 40 and Hot Adult Contemporary music offering an alternative to Kansas City-focused KMXV “Mix 93.3,” owned by Steel City Media, and KZPT “99.7 The Point,” a Hot Adult Contemporary station that just dismissed its “Ponch and Nikki” morning show as part of a reduction-in-force initiative across Audacy Inc.
