La Crosse Media Group Signing Off

• Mississippi Valley Broadcasters, LLC, d/b/a La Crosse Media Group, is divesting its five radio properties as Managing Member Pat Smith announced his impending retirement.

The company has filed an application with the FCC to sell Country WQCC-FM (Kicks 106.3), Oldies KQEG-FM (102.7 MeTV FM), and Talk WLFN-AM 1490/La Crosse, WI to Magnum Communications, Inc., d/b/a Magnum Media. La Crosse Media Group is also spinning off Classic Rock WKBH-FM/West Salem, WI to Educational Media Foundation and Hot AC WLXR-FM (Magic 105)/La Crosse, WI to Sparta, WI-based Christian radio network, Salvation Poem Foundation, d/b/a Prayz Network. Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for these transactions.

Pat Smith (pictured) has been in La Crosse for his entire career, starting in 1974 as a part-time jock while earning his Mass Communications degree at UW-La Crosse. He went on to work in all facets of the radio business — PD, Farm Director, News Reporter/Anchor, Operations Manager, Sales Manager, GM, and now minority ownership.

Commenting on the three-station sale to Magnum, Smith said, “Dave Magnum has a reputation for dedication to the many communities his group serves across Wisconsin. I’m proud to be handing over the reins of three of our stations to the Magnum family.”

Dave Magnum (left) stated, “A dedicated bunch of folks really stuck together over 14 months to put this puzzle of transactions together. I’ve known Pat Smith for a long time; he’s a multi-talented broadcaster who forged and sustained a very impressive radio career. Pat and his business partner, Kelly Ramsey, achieved many successes.” Reid Magnum added, “My late mom, Lynn, and my Dad started from scratch with a Tomah-licensed CP in the La Crosse market in 1991. My brother, Ty, and I were both born in La Crosse, and my wife, Chelsey, graduated from UW-La Crosse. The region known as ‘God’s Country’ is special to our family in several ways.”

Smith plans to retire after assisting with the transition, focus on his health, and try to keep up with his grandkids.