New Generation Of Owners In Wichita
• Wichita, KS-based Allied Media Partners (AMP) has reached an agreement to buy six Wichita-area radio stations from Rocking M Media, the state’s largest radio operator that currently owns 24 radio stations and associated networks throughout the state of Kansas.
Allied Media Partners is purchasing Adult Hits KIBB-FM (97.1 Bob FM), Triple A KVWF-FM (Flight 100.5), Classic Country KKGQ-FM (Kansas Country 92.3) and Rhythmic AC KWME-FM (92.7 The Blast) in Wichita, as well as AC KLEY-FM/AM (The Wave 100.3/1130) in nearby Wellington and Adult Hits KKLE-AM (The Valley 1550) in Winfield, KS.
Allied Media Partners is led by two Wichita natives — Chief Executive Officer Matt Baty and Chief Operating Officer Tommy Castor. Baty (left) brings a strong business background to AMP, with his previous experience in fundraising, sales and marketing from organizations such as The University of Kansas, Wichita State University, The Wichita Sports Forum and Equity Bank.
Castor (right) has served as GM of Rocking M Media’s radio stations in Wellington and Winfield since July 2018, and has been overseeing programming on the Wichita stations for the past few months. He previously spent decade with iHeartMedia Top 40 KZCH (Channel 96.3)/Wichita, the last six and a half as PD.
“AMP’s focus is Wichita, our business partners, our communities and our people,” said Baty. “We are committed to competing and earning your listenership. We want to be what radio was when we were growing up, integrated in the community as a partner.” Castor remarked, “Our team lives in the same community, shops at the same merchants and eats in the same restaurants as our clients, partners and listeners. Not only will you get local ownership with AMP’s radio stations, but you’ll get a listening experience that will showcase Wichita, while still sounding ‘big city.'” With this acquisition, AMP becomes the only locally-owned media company with multiple FMs in the Wichita market. Allied Media Partners will begin programming the Wichita stations on April 1 under an LMA, and the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019.
