JVC Digs Deeper Into Florida Sand
• JVC Broadcasting is expanding its Florida portfolio with the pending acquisition of four radio stations from Magic Broadcasting in Panama City — Top 40 WILN (Island 106), Classic Country WWLY (Wild Willie 100.1), News-Talk WYOO (Talk Radio 101) and Active Rock WYYX (97X).
This strategic expansion strengthens JVC’s presence in the Florida Panhandle and creates a powerful synergy with its successful Fort Walton Beach group, which includes Adult Hits WWAV (102.1 The Wave), Hot Talk WZLB (103.1 Florida Man Radio), Country WHWY (Highway 98.1), and Mainstream Rock WBON (92.1 The Bone). Long Island-based JVC also owns stations in Orlando and Ocala-Gainesville, FL.
John Griffo, Market Manager of JVC’s Ft. Walton Beach operations, will assume leadership of the newly acquired Panama City stations. “This is an exciting new chapter for JVC and for radio in Northwest Florida,” said Griffo. “We don’t see it as just expanding — we see it as an opportunity to continue what we have already been doing in the Panhandle: focusing on the local listener being the true client by bringing high quality, engaging and fresh programming ideas to Panama City. I can’t wait to get started.”
Overseeing programming will be Matt Stone, Director of Programming for JVC Fort Walton Beach. “We’ve been doing it differently and local in Fort Walton, and now we’re bringing that same vibe to Panama City,” Stone remarked. “We’re out to make radio fun again — live, local, and actually about the people who live here in PCB. Not just noise… get ready for something that hits home.”
“This isn’t a corporate merger,” said John Caracciolo, President & CEO of JVC Broadcasting. “This is a local broadcaster investing in local communities. We believe in radio that serves the neighborhoods we live in, not just the bottom line.”
JVC Broadcasting will begin transition and integration efforts immediately, with no interruption to current programming and a focus on enhancing local content and engagement in the Panama City market.
