Beasley Spins Tampa’s Shark To EMF
• Beasley Media Group announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Classic Rock WPBB (98.7 The Shark)/Tampa, FL to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), which plans to install its Contemporary Christian K-LOVE format onto the frequency. The transaction will mark EMF’s official entry into the Tampa Bay market.
Beasley has owned and operated 98.7 FM since acquiring the station as part of a swap agreement with CBS Radio back in 2014, when Beasley officially took ownership of the former WHFS‑FM, along with five other Tampa Bay stations.
“We’re excited to enter into an agreement with EMF on the sale of 98.7 The Shark,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group. “EMF’s longstanding commitment to delivering uplifting, family-friendly content aligns with the values of the community, and we’re confident they will make a meaningful impact as they enter this vibrant market.”
“After 43 years, it is truly a privilege and a blessing to finally be in Tampa,” said Tom Stultz, CEO of EMF. “Our mission is to be a trusted source of compelling media linking people everywhere to the hope of Christ. We anticipate K-LOVE’s positive and encouraging Christian format will become a welcomed, safe place to land for listeners in this fantastic city.”
The best news: We are told that no current Shark staffers are expected to be affected by this transaction, as they all have other duties within the company.
The sale is expected to officially close by the end of 2025, pending FCC approval and customary closing conditions. Michael J. Bergner served as the official broker for the transaction.
