Entercom Spins The Sound + 2 To EMF
• With the massive Entercom/CBS Radio merger inching ever closer, the ramifications are already being felt — a virtual seismic jolt blew through the conference room high atop the Miracle Mile building that houses Entercom Classic Rock KSWD (100.3 The Sound)/Los Angeles today as the staff was informed that Entercom was spinning them off, along with 92.1 KSOQ/San Diego, a simulcast partner of Country KSON and 95.9 WGGI/Benton, PA, the simulcast partner of WGGY (Froggy 101)/Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, PA to the non-profit Educational Media Foundation (EMF). This transaction marks the first required divestitures related to Entercom’s pending merger with CBS Radio.
“We have made great progress towards the completion of our merger with CBS Radio and this agreement with EMF brings us one step closer to the finish line,” said David Field, President and CEO, Entercom. “We remain on track to close the CBS Radio transaction later this year and confident in the value-creating opportunities presented by this transformational combination.”
Rocklin, CA-based EMF operates the K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks specializing in Christian AC music. EMF CEO Mike Novak commented, “We are particularly excited to see what God has in store for the people of Los Angeles, through our new station, Positive & Encouraging K-LOVE at 100.3 FM. The people at Entercom have been a joy making this purchase possible.” As of today, EMF owns and operates some 770 FM stations and translators.
• Throughout its 9 1/2 year history, The Sound has defied the odds to become extremely competitive with heritage brands like Cumulus rival KLOS. The station was also nominated for a Marconi Award for “Rock Station of the Year” and it won the NAB’s coveted Crystal Award for community service.
As of right now, the immediate future plans of iconic L.A. rock jocks “Uncle Joe” Benson, Rita Wilde and Cynthia Fox remain unknown, along with those of Sound morning duo Andy Chanley and Gina Grad. Longtime Sound PD Dave Beasing will announce his plans soon.
