Mediaco will add Estrella’s eleven radio stations in California and Texas as well as four full-power television stations and six LPTV’s from Estrella to add to its Hip Hop “Hot 97” WQHT and Adult R&B 107.5 WBLS New York. Mediaco will acquire the 7,051,538 outstanding shares of Estrella Media and its license holding subsidiaries for one cent per share.

The stations included in the deal are:

• Dallas: Regional Mexican “La Raza 93.7” KNOR Krum, Spanish CHR “Luna 98.3” KBOC Bridgeport, and Regional Mexican Oldies “La Ranchera 106.7” KZZA Muenster
• Houston: Regional Mexican “La Raza 98.5” KTJM Port Arthur/101.7 KNTE Bay City, Norteño “El Norte 107.9” KQQK Beaumont, and 850 KEYH Houston
• Los Angeles: Regional Mexican “Que Buena 94.3/105.5” 94.3 KBUA San Fernando, 94.3 KEBN Garden Grove, and 105.5 KBUE Long Beach and Brokered Vietnamese 1480 KVNR Santa Ana
• Riverside/San Bernardino: Regional Mexican “Que Buena 96.1” KRQB San Jacinto

The deal also includes full-powered television stations KETD Castle Rock/Denver CO, KZJL Houston, WGEN-TV Key West FL, and KRCA Riverside/Los Angeles as well as LPTV’s WESV-LD Chicago, W12DI Key West, WGEN-LD, WVFW-LD and W18EU Miami, and WASA-LD Port Jervis NY.

The deal includes a $20,000 per-month LMA that will be put towards the purchase price at closing. Ingalls has served as a Republican state senator since 2019 and owns a real estate agency in Vermont.

Included in the deal are Hot AC “Moo 92” WMOO Derby Center, Country “JJ Country 94.5” WJJZ Irasburg, AC “Magic 97.7” WGMT Lyndon, Country “Kix 105.5” WKHX St. Johnsbury, Classic Rock “The Notch” 106.3 WMTK Littleton NH and 1490 WIKE/103.1 W276DK Newport VT, and AAA 1490 WSTJ/104.1 W281CC St. Johnsbury.

The move brings the ESPN Radio network back to the Tampa market after it was dropped by iHeartMedia’s 620 WDAE/95.3 W237CW in December where it had been heard in nights and weekends.

Simmons, a 2024 inductee of the Arizona Media Association Hall of Fame (formerly Arizona Broadcasters Association), operates a streaming local sports network across Eastern Arizona and the Navajo Nation and has been known as the voice of local sports in the region since he started broadcasting games as a teenager in the 1980s. He also serves as General Manager of the cluster.

Included in the deal are Country “Z92” 92.1 KZUA Holbrook/93.5 KZUZ Show Low, AC “Mix 98.5” KRFM Show Low, Classic Hits 105.5 KSNX Heber, and News/Talk 970 KVWM Show Low/1270 WDJI Holbrook. An LMA took effect on February 1.

The hourlong radio show “will dive deeper into the stories driving headlines from the week through in-depth conversations with ABC News correspondents, experts and newsmakers joining Mielke each episode”.

ABC Audio Vice President Liz Alesse said, “The expansion of ‘Start Here’ into radio programming underscores ABC News’ dedication to delivering engaging, insightful journalism and commitment to meeting audience demand for high-quality, trustworthy reporting anytime, anywhere and on any platform. We’re excited to introduce new listeners to ‘Start Here,’ extend the show’s multiplatform reach, and further solidify ABC News’ leadership in the audio space.”

Interested stations can reach out to Chris Venice at christopher.venice@abc.com.

Hosted by Penny Faulkner, the show debuted in evenings on Salem’s “104.7 The Fish” WFSH Athens/Atlanta GA before being taken national on Salem’s “Today’s Christian Music” network in 2015 first in late nights before moving to nights in 2019. The show had been a partnership between KeepTheFaith Media Networks (formerly BigOyo Inc.) and Salem since its debut.

The company has announced it is immediately making the show available for stations across multiple formats including Country and Adult Contemporary. It says, “At a time when Americans are overwhelmed with negativity, division, and noise, KeepTheFaith cuts through the clutter with something truly different—Contagious Encouragement. It’s a show built on real-life stories, heartfelt listener calls, and uplifting content that connects on a deep, personal level. Stations incorporate their own music playlist.”

Prior to working at WFSH, Faulkner worked in secular radio including time at WKSI Greensboro, Imaging Director/midday host at WBTS Atlanta, and APD/MD/midday host at WXSS Milwaukee as well as hosting multiple SiriusXM channels including Pop2K, 90s on 9, Watercolors, and Hitlist.

She said, “KeepTheFaith is more than just a radio show—it’s a breath of fresh air. People are searching for something positive, something uplifting, something real. Every day, we share stories that inspire, heal, and remind people they’re not alone. I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with an incredible team that truly understands the power of storytelling. And I’m especially thrilled to reunite with my longtime program director, Mike Blakemore—we’ve always shared a passion for delivering content that truly matters.”

Consultant John Frost, who also serves as KeepTheFaith’s executive producer, added, “There’s so much competition for shelf space in listeners’ minds. There’s so much noise out there. KeepTheFaith cuts through that with content that actually makes a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s on a CCM, Country, or AC station, this show delivers something of real value—stories that move people, moments that lift their spirits, and a sense of community that people crave more than ever.”

KeepTheFaith Media Networks CEO David Sams said, “Penny has a unique ability to connect with listeners in a way that’s truly special. She understands what people need to hear, and she delivers it with authenticity and heart. With our nationwide content team, we’re not just doing another radio show—we’re creating something that inspires, encourages, and brings people together. The demand for KeepTheFaith programming has never been greater, and we’re making sure it reaches as many people as possible.”

The company has also added former Salem VP/CCM formats and WFSH Program Director Mike Blakemore as a Senior Consultant to expand KeepTheFaith’s programming reach and digital footprint domestically and internationally. KeepTheFaith Media CEO David Sams will also represent Blakemore in additional consulting arrangements.

Sams commented, “There’s only one Mike Blakemore. He is the finest programmer in all of radio. Everything he touches turns to gold. In Atlanta, WFSH was a consistent ratings winner. He was so successful that Salem promoted him to VP overseeing all of their Contemporary Christian Music stations.I personally saw what he was able to do with his fellow programmers across the country. He’s a team leader, a visionary, a ‘let’s make it happen’ kind of guy. KeepTheFaith’s mantra is ‘The Home of Contagious Encouragement,’ and Mike embodies that in every way.”

Blakemore commented, “KeepTheFaith is in a league of its own. The production quality is unmatched, the content is deeply engaging, and the on-air talent is the best in the industry. In Atlanta, KeepTheFaith programming was so successful that we aired 62 hours per week. The six-hour Sunday morning block with Keith Stevens and Donna Cruz was a ratings powerhouse, and KeepTheFaith with Penny in the evenings performed so well that it was expanded to all of Salem’s CCM stations before being syndicated nationwide. In Dallas, KeepTheFaith with Frank Reed was #1 across the board. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and help grow KeepTheFaith’s programming, both on terrestrial radio and across new digital streaming channels to expand our global reach.”

In regards to Penny, he added, “When I first hired Penny for evenings at WFSH in Atlanta, I knew right away that she had an extraordinary ability to make every listener feel like she was speaking directly to them. Her warmth, authenticity, and heart for storytelling are rare qualities in this industry. She has that unique gift of making people feel heard, valued, and encouraged. That’s why her connection with listeners is so strong—and why she’s been such a force in this space for so long.”

For syndication details and market availability, contact: Denise Payne, VP/GM, KeepTheFaith Media Networks Denise@KeepTheFaith.com or (615)610-2980

Moore previously worked at the station from 2001 to 2021 before leaving to pursue other opportunities. He commented, “I could not be happier to be returning to 103.9 The Fox. It’s home! It’s Rock ‘N’ Roll states Moore. Great listeners, fantastic customers and advertisers make it special. To be back in a position to help this community in so many ways, is truly satisfying”

General Manager Bill Bailey said, “The experience Roy brings back to the market with his Classic Rock credentials is second to none. Roy is a passionate broadcaster who is dedicated to helping local businesses connect with our audience and fully leverage the opportunities in local radio. Welcome HOME Roy”.

Moore fills the opening created by Jeremy Fenech’s departure to host mornings at Townsquare Media AC “Cars 108” WCRZ.

E Radio Network will acquire 100.9 KDEL-FM and 1240 KVRC Arkadelphia, 690 KAFN/104.1 K281DJ Benton, 99.7 KWPS-FM Caddo Valley, 97.1 KJMT Calico Rock, 92.7 KRZP Gassville, 106.9 KYXK Gurdon, 1310 KZYP Malvern, 94.3 KCMC-FM Viola AR and 1590 KDAV Lubbock TX for $1 million. The deal is structured with a $25,000 deposit, $475,000 at closing, and then two payments of $250,000 at six and twelve months after closing. Hadden & Associates served as broker. The Arkansas stations were part of a failed $3 million sale to Jay Brentlinger’s Broadcast Industry Group in 2023.

Nelly Broadcasting Idaho will acquire AC “Star 95.5” KUJJ and “Heartland Country 98.3” KDZY McCall ID from Inspirational Family Radio for $200,000. Nelly Broadcasting owns four other stations and nine translators in northern Idaho, while Inspirational Family Radio retains Christian Preaching “94.1 The Voice” KBXL Caldwell and “Solid Talk” 790 KSPD/94.5 K233DE Boise.

Hector Guevara Ministry Corp. will purchase New Century Broadcasting’s Silent 1340 KAND/104.9 K285HC Corsicana TX for $75,000. KAND ceased operations at the end of October citing revenue issues, personal hardships, and lack of local staff to run it.

Stanley Podorski’s KSMO Enterprises sells Full Service 1340 KSMO/95.7 K239CU Salem MO to Ken Perzan Jr. and Benjamin Granowski’s KSMO Media LLC for $1000 and the assumption of a note held by Intercounty Electric for ten years at a 1% interest rate.

Felix Michelet’s Shekinah Radio International agrees to purchase Gospel “Sugar 900” WSWN/107.1 W296DN Belle Glade FL from James Leger’s Sugar Broadcasting for $725,000. The buyer, associated with Creole language Tabernacle of Glory Church, purchased 1470 WWNN Pompano Beach FL in December 2023.

Christina Biegun’s Little Dog Media Group is acquiring Treasure Coast Broadcasters Talk 1450 WSTU Stuart and Port St. Lucie Broadcasters 1590 WPSL Port St. Lucie FL for $500,000. The deal includes transferring the station’s real estate holdings to Jeff Biegun Holding LLC. A Time Brokerage Agreement took effect on January 15.

Mitten News LLC donates 1110 WWMN Petoskey MI to West Central Michigan Media Ministries.

The virtual networking event will take place on Thursday, February 13 at 1:00pm Eastern/10:00am Pacific. Interested parties can register here to participate.

Joel Denver says, “R.J. and I have been friends for decades and I can tell you that he is a warrior for Country Radio and Music industries. I got to watch him do his magic when he worked for me at AllAccess.com. What a great colleague! He’s gone on to do some amazing things, overseeing the growth of Country Radio Seminar, which is set for February 19-21 at the Omni Hotel, Nashville. To get ready for our next Radio Rendezvous, check out this conversation that R.J. and I had recently. He has a lot to say about the state of radio, the music industry and where he sees things going this year and into the future.

Upcoming events will feature iHeartMedia Atlanta SVP/Programming Jill Strada on Thursday, February 27 and Nielsen VP/Audience Insights Jon Miller on March 13.

Northwestern will pay $100,000 for WWHX as it joins the organization’s Christian AC 91.5 WCIC Pekin/Peoria which is heard in the market on 98.9 W255AI Bloomington. The deal will conclude Woodward’s sell-off of the Bloomington cluster it acquired from Neuhoff following the sale of “Rock 96.7” WIHN Normal to K-Love Inc. and long-term LMA of Variety Hits “97.9 Bob-FM” WBBE Heyworth to Great Plains Media.

This stunt follows a couple days of stunting as “Elon FM“. The now-former Classic Country brand launched in September 2023 following the purchase of the station from veteran Country radio programmer Todd Nixon. Nixon programmed KBEQ Kansas City from 2017 until the end of 2024 with previous stints at WYZB Fort Walton Beach, KRMD-FM Shreveport, WCKT Fort Myers, WCTQ Sarasota, WTQR Greensboro, and WNCB Raleigh. He also had been tracking mornings on KTNK.

As of this writing the station’s website and streaming are down ahead of whatever is next to take off for the station.

The simulcast is now branding as “Cool FM” positioning as “Michigan’s Oldies” with a playlist centered in the 1970s. WQXC-FM rimshots the Kalamazoo market, with WFAT covering nearby Battle Creek.