On November 10, 2022, RBR+TVBR confirmed the sale of Adult Alternative WRNR-FM 103.1 in Annapolis, Md. By February 12, 2023, the radio station serving the home of the U.S. Naval Academy and Maryland’s state capital with Adult Alternative music was no more, as Steve Kingston, the longtime radio industry figure, had sold the Class A facility.
At the time, Kingston hinted that a future over-the-air home for ‘RNR would be a possibility. Guess what? A deal agreed to on November 24 that’s just been filed for regulatory approval looks ripe for a WRNR return.
Introducing Cortona Media, a partnership that sees Steve Kingston (whose legal name, Steve Kushner, was infamously shared with WPLJ listeners when Scott Shannon debuted “Mojo Radio” in New York 32 years ago) take one-third ownership along with Jason Kidd and Kirk Litton.
Cortona is agreeing to acquire FM translator W260BM in Annapolis, Md., from Hope Christian Church of Marlton Inc., based in the Philadelphia suburb of Marlton, N.J.
A $75,000 purchase price was agreed to, with a 10% escrow deposit made to the church by Cortona.
There is no broker or finder in the transaction, which sees Cortona obtaining a Crown FM30T transmitter in need of repair.
Additionally, a tower and tower site lease aren’t included in the transaction.
Serving as Cortona’s legal counsel is John Trent of Putbrese, Hunsacker & Trent. The legal counsel for the church is Kathleen Victory of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.
W260BM is located at 99.9 MHz and had been in a simulcast with WNAV-AM, putting a signal over Annapolis and immediate suburbs including Severna Park. WNAV had been operated under a now-concluded lease agreement by Maryland Media One.
Kingston was not immediately available for commment.
