EMF Agrees to Acquire Columbus, Ohio FM
This article first appeared on www.radioinsight.com.
Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the prominent Christian broadcasting organization, has made significant strides in expanding its reach with two strategic acquisitions in Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Columbus Acquisition
In Columbus, EMF will acquire 102.5 WKVR Baltimore OH from Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting System for $2,060,000. EMF began operating the former WWLG on November 1 following the end of its LMA to Radio-One introducing the “K-Love” Christian AC network to the market.
Pittsburgh Expansion
In the Pittsburgh area, EMF is strengthening its presence by adding a second full-market signal. The organization has purchased 103.5 WOGH in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, from Forever Media for $800,000. This strategic acquisition offers several advantages:
- Extended Coverage: WOGH covers the western half of the Pittsburgh market and extends into the Wheeling/Steubenville, West Virginia market.
- Market Positioning: The station was previously part of the Country “Froggy” trimulcast with 94.9 WOGG Oliver and 104.3 WOGI Moon Township.
- Complementary to Existing Assets: EMF already owns “K-Love” 98.3 WPKV Duquesne and “Air 1” 88.7 W204CT Pittsburgh/WPKV-HD2 in the market.
It’s worth noting that Gateway Creative Broadcasting’s Christian Hip Hop “Boost Radio” also operates on 97.9 W250CY Pittsburgh/WPKV-HD3, further diversifying the Christian radio offerings in the area.
Strategic Implications
These acquisitions demonstrate EMF’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets, providing listeners with increased access to its Christian-oriented programming. The moves also highlight the organization’s strategic approach to market penetration, leveraging opportunities to acquire stations that complement its existing portfolio.
Advisory Role
It’s important to note that the seller in these transactions was represented by Greg Guy of Tideline Partners. Guy provided advisory services for both the sale of WKVR in Columbus and WOGH in Pittsburgh, facilitating the smooth transition of these assets to Educational Media Foundation.
These acquisitions by EMF underscore the ongoing dynamism in the radio industry, where strategic purchases and network expansions continue to shape the broadcast landscape. As EMF grows its presence in these markets, listeners in Columbus and Pittsburgh can expect increased access to Christian-oriented programming across multiple stations and formats.