Desert Valley Media Group Sold To Zelus, LLC
• Desert Valley Media Group announced the sale of its Phoenix radio group — Rhythmic KKFR (Power 98.3), Hot AC simulcast KMVA/KZON (Hot 97.5/103.9), and Classic Hits KOAI (95.1 & 94.9 The Wow Factor), simulcast on 94.9 via K235CB/Chandler — to Houston-based Zelus, LLC.
Zelus is headed by Pres. Michael Cutchall (pictured), who is certainly familiar with the cluster, having served as Pres. & CEO of the former Riviera Broadcasting Phoenix from 2015 to 2020, prior to its August 2021 rebranding to Desert Valley Media Group. Cutchall most recently served as VP/Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Las Vegas.
Cutchall’s impressive résumé also includes earlier roles as Operating Partner at YMF Media, CEO of Sun City Communications & Cobalt Communications, EVP of Capstar/AMFM, RVP of SFX Broadcasting and COO of Prism Radio Partners. Cutchall’s acquisition of DVMG heralds a return to Phoenix, bringing a wealth ofexpertise and a deep understanding of the local market.
Jeff Trumper, who will be stepping aside as Pres. & CEO of Desert Valley Media Group once the sale receives FCC approval, reflected on his tenure with DVMG, commenting, “It has been a sincere privilege to have led Desert Valley Media Group and its tremendous staff of outstanding broadcast professionals.”
Cutchall remarked, “We are thrilled to enter the Phoenix market, one of the fastest growing regions in the country. We extend our deepest appreciation to Jeff Trumper and his team for their exceptional management of Desert Valley Media Group during the challenging times of a pandemic and subsequent recovery years. We look forward to working with the outstanding Desert Valley Media Group staff.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Zelus will initiate a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA), effective Sept. 1. Kalil & Co. acted as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
