Columbus’s dominant sports radio brand is changing hands. Tegna has purchased 97.1 the Fan and 1460 ESPN as part of a $535 million deal to acquire Dispatch Broadcast Group’s Columbus TV stations.
“We have long admired the talented and award-winning teams at WTHR and WBNS’ television and radio stations and are honored that the Wolfe family has entrusted us to build on each station’s commitment to high-quality journalism and serving the greater good in their community,” Tegna President and CEO Dave Lougee said in a press release.
Both sports radio stations were previously owned by RadiOhio. The deal is similar to one Tegna made in San Diego last year to acquire KFMB-TV/AM/FM from Midwest Television.
Tegna has not announced plans for its radio acquisitions. Lougee said that the company’s track record shows that it will invest “in growth and remain true to our track record of acquiring highly attractive assets that create immediate value for shareholders.’
