Swanson Acquires Finger Lakes Radio Group
• After more than 23 years of ownership, Finger Lakes Radio Group owner Alan Bishop has entered into a definitive agreement to transfer ownership of the company to TOTIB Media, headed by Scott Swanson, a fellow entrepreneur and digital media veteran. The transaction includes seven radio stations — AC WNYR (Mix 98.5), Classic Rock WLLW (101.7 The Wall), Classic Hits 99.3 WFLK, News-Talk duo WAUB & WGVA, Country WFLR, and “Soft Classic Rock” WCGR (The Lake) — along with FLX Digital and FingerLakesDailyNews.com, which together serve the communities of Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Penn Yan, Auburn, and surrounding areas.
“This company has always been about local connection and local trust,” Bishop said. “Scott understands the role these stations play in people’s daily lives, and he understands what it takes to operate a strong local media business. I’m confident this is the right next chapter.”
Swanson remarked, “This is already a strong operation with deep roots in the community. My job isn’t to reinvent it — it’s to support the people who make it work, protect what makes it special, and help ensure it remains strong for decades to come.”
As part of the transition, Frank Lischak has been promoted to General Manager and will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, including sales, programming, and community engagement.
The transaction is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals. Pending FCC approval, TOTIB Media will operate the stations under a time brokerage agreement beginning Jan. 1. Financial terms were not disclosed. The broker on this transaction was George Kimble of RadioTVforSale.com.
