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Woodward Communications is set to acquire a second cluster of stations in Springfield, IL, while simultaneously divesting its recently acquired stations in Bloomington, IL.
Woodward recently completed its acquisition of Neuhoff Media’s seven radio stations for $4.3 million. (BMM 10/2) As part of this deal, Woodward will take over Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s stations in Springfield, which include News/Talk 92.7 WMAY-FM, Rock 97.7 WQLZ, AC 98.7 WNNS, and Classic Hits “102.5 The Lake” along with 970 WMAY/94.7/102.5.
These stations will complement Woodward’s existing lineup, which features Hot AC “99.7 The Mix” WXAJ, Country 104.5 WFMB-FM, and Sports Radio 92.3″ 1450 WFMB.
To adhere to ownership regulations, the company will spin off Variety Hits “96.7 Bob-FM” WCVS-FM. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
In Bloomington, Great Plains Media is set to expand its operations with the local marketing agreement for Variety Hits “97.9 Bob-FM” WBBE, previously based in Woodward.
Great Plains currently owns several stations, including Conservative Talk “Cities 92.9” WRPW, Adult Contemporary “Magic 99.5” WZIM, and Country “107.7 The Bull” WIBL 92.1. Additionally, the company has announced plans to divest its other two stations, “Rock 96.7” WIHN and Hot AC “Now 100.7” WWHX, to undisclosed operators.
Woodward Communications President/CEO Tom Woodward said, “We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to integrating Mid-West’s solid brands into our Springfield operations. Over a period of time our plan is to co-locate all of the stations and related operations into Mid-West Family’s current office and studios, which we believe will create synergies that will benefit our employee owners, our customers, and the community.”
Woodward Springfield Market Manager Kevin O’Dea is set to oversee the newly combined Springfield cluster. O’Dea began his radio career in 1978 as an Account Executive with Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s WMAY Springfield.
Recently, he was honored with the Illinois Broadcaster Association’s 2024 “Vincent T. Wasilewski Broadcaster of the Year” award. He will continue reporting to Kelly Radandt, the overall Marketing Manager for WCI’s radio groups in Appleton, WI, and Illinois.
