Encouragement Media to Acquire KKSP-FM Little Rock from Salem Media

This article first appeared on www.insideradio.com

Encouragement Media Group (EMG) has acquired 93.3 KKSP in Little Rock, AR, from Salem Media Group and will change its call letter to KVNE, effective Sept. 1, when 93.3 KVNE will begin offering the market commercial-free Christian music. The price was $1.55 million.

“We are excited to continue the legacy of pointing people to Jesus that Salem’s ‘93.3 The Fish’ started nine years ago here in Little Rock,” EMG President and CEO Troy Kriechbaum said in a news release. “We look forward to building on what The Fish has done and are committed to partnering with local ministries to strengthen the community impact for Christ in Little Rock.”

With the addition of Little Rock, KVNE will be heard in Little Rock, Shreveport, LA and Tyler/Longview, TX, as well as through the KVNE app and at kvne.com.

KVNE, EMG’s flagship station, is a nationally recognized leader in Christian radio, winning 10 Station of the Year awards from Christian Music Broadcasters and National Religious Broadcasters.

The acquisition will give Encouragement Media Group a total of 11 stations, including a Spanish Christian music network called Fuzión; a worship station called Lift Worship; and a Bible teaching format called The Well. Digitally, EMG offers Modo Vida, a Spanish Bible teaching format; and Evergreen, a Christmas format.

Tideline partners served as the broker for EMG, while Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented Salem. A license transfer application has been filed, according to Tideline Partners Founder Greg Guy.