In the nation’s fourth-largest radio market, Camarillo, Calif.-based Salem Media Group owns and operates three AM radio stations — two of which offer secular programming.
Soon, two more AMs will be added to the mix. And, it is a safe bet the stations will retain their religious focus.
Baybridge Communications, an entity led by Paul Benton, is agreeing to sell KDIA-AM 1640 in Vallejo, Calif., and Class D daytime-only sibling KDYA-AM 1190 to New Inspiration Broadcasting Company.
What’s that? It’s one of several licensees within the Salem Media Group family.
With John C. Trent serving as the legal counsel for seller and Wiley’s Kathleen Kirby serving as Salem’s lawyer, paperwork has been filed at the Commission that shows Salem’s New Inspiration entity will be paying $600,000 for the AM duo.
A $100,000 deposit is being held in escrow by Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, as the broker of record in this deal is Mark Jorgenson. Of the deposit, $25,000 can be released prior to closing so Baybridge can pay rent associated with the facilities.
New Inspiration is the licensee for KTRB-AM 860 “The Answer,” Salem’s home for its conservative Talk format in the Bay Area.
Now, it will be adding 3kw KDIA, with a four-tower array in Sears Point, between Novato and Vallejo, putting a highly directional signal over the City of San Francisco; much of the Napa/Sonoma region; Concord; and most of Sacramento.
Its sibling, on the expanded AM band, is a 10kw Class B with 4 nighttime towers from Sears Point and 1 daytime tower — located on a buoy in San Francisco Bay, on the Richmond, Calif. side off Point Isabel.
When the deal is complete, KDYA, presently Gospel as “The Light,” and Christian Talk & Teaching KDIA, “The Light at the Top of the Dial,” will join KTRB; Christian Teaching & Talk KFAX-AM 1100; and KDOW-AM 1220, an affiliate of the Wall Street Business Network.
