Townsquare Tuscaloosa Sells One, Buys One
• Townsquare Media is making several significant changes to its Tuscaloosa, AL cluster — 1) The company is selling its 102.9 frequency — currently the home of Sports-Talk WTID-FM (Tide 102.9) — to Educational Media Foundation, and 2) has signed a deal to purchase Urban WALJ (105.1 JAMZ) from Apex Broadcasting. Both transactions are pending FCC approval with an anticipated simultaneous closing date of July 31.
Post-sale, WTID’s sports programming will remain available on 100.9 (W265CG) and WTUG-HD2, while WALJ will be re-branded as 105.1 The Block, “Bama’s No. 1 for Hip-Hop and R&B,” under the command of Brand Manager “Mary K” Schmitt, who recently joined Townsquare Tuscaloosa as Asst. Operations Manager.
“I’m very excited about launching WALJ under the Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa umbrella, where we have a local-first focus,” said Schmitt (pictured, left). “The WALJ signal will once again have a local connection to the city of Tuscaloosa and I’m thrilled to launch 105.1 The Block to reflect the lifestyle and tastes of the Tuscaloosa millennial.” And yes, 105.1 The Block will retain The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
With the acquisition of WALJ-FM, Townsquare says it will own the top five radio stations in Nielsen’s Designated Market Area for Tuscaloosa — Urban AC 92.9 WTUG, 105.1 WALJ, Urban Gospel WTSK (Praise 93.3), Country WFFN (95.3 The Bear) and Alternative WQRR (ALT 101.7) — as well as 90 percent of all African-American listenership in the Tuscaloosa market.
“I’m very excited about all of these moves,” said David DuBose, Market President of Townsquare Tuscaloosa. “We studied the market for well over a year to analyze the benefits and the opportunities of these changes. This acquisition fits with Townsquare Media’s approach of creating the dominant radio group in West Alabama. We will continue to invest in local talent, sports, news and weather.” “Mary K” can be contacted at 205-908-4105 or MaryK@townsquaremedia.com.
