Audacy Spinning Off WVEI/Providence
• Ocean State Media, parent company of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio Station, announced an agreement — pending FCC approval — to acquire a new radio frequency and transmitter — 103.7 WVEI-FM/Providence — from Audacy, which has simulcast Sports-Talk WEEI/Boston since 2004. RAMP has separately confirmed this news with Audacy.
“With this move, listeners will no longer need to change channels to continue hearing Ocean State Media as they travel throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts,” said Pam Johnston, President & CEO of Ocean State Media. “Once approved, audiences can tune to a single frequency for a clear, high-quality broadcast, advancing our commitment to delivering distinctly local news and information more effectively and efficiently across the region.”
The acquisition will allow Ocean State Media to broadcast radio programming across Rhode Island and the surrounding region from a single signal — 103.7 FM. Historically, Ocean State Media has relied on a network of five area frequencies — 89.3, 89.5, 90.7, 102.7, and 1290 AM — to serve Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts.
The company notes that “the proposed transition from five frequencies to one, including transmission equipment, represents a $4.9 million investment, which will be financed over a period of time. The change will improve broadcast quality while also allowing for long-term operational efficiencies.”
