Amaturo Buys Two From Redwood
• Amaturo Sonoma Media Group (ASMG) and Redwood Empire Stereocasters (RES) jointly announced that ASMG will acquire two RES stations — AC 100.1 KZST-FM/Santa Rosa and Classic Hits KWVF (102.7 The Wolf)/Guerneville, CA, and other assets. The sale is expected to close in Q3 of this year, but a Local Market Agreement (LMA), effective June 2, 2022, permits ASMG to begin operation of the stations prior to FCC approval and closing.
Lawrence Amaturo, Co-Founder & Member Manager of ASMG, LLC, commented, “With incredible care, Gordon Zlot created and developed KZST over 50 years ago and made it THE most-listened-to station in Sonoma County. It remains just that even today. I am beyond thrilled that we can be the next torch-bearer for this great community gift.”
Gordon Zlot, Founder and 50-year patriarch of KZST and the RES stations, said, “This was an agonizing decision, with over a half-century of creating and maintaining KZST with ratings superiority in Sonoma County, but in my decision to step-back in pace and work-life, I could not have found a better next-level operator-team than Lawrence Amaturo and Michael O’Shea. I will still be associated with all the stations, offering engineering and programming consultation, and pulling for them to the next level of success.”
Michael O’Shea, President of ASMG added, “I’m truly in awe of these great stations and the position they occupy in the hearts and ears of Sonoma County, and the brilliant leadership Gordon and his team have brought them, making radio so vital in the Northbay. I’m humbled at the thought of operating this combined great enterprise.”
Redwood Empire Stereocasters will continue to own 106.3 KJZY/Cazadero, CA (operated by EMF and airing the company’s Air1 format) and Country KBBL (93.7 The Bull)/Sebastopol, CA.
