Salem Media Group has announced it has struck a deal with WaterStone to be completely acquired the conservative news/talk and Christian radio giant.
What We Know: The Christian Community Foundation, doing business as WaterStone, has agreed to purchase Salem Media in a deal that will take the company private.
What They Said: “For the last ten years, the Atsinger and Epperson families have been looking for a successor that would continue to carry the torch of delivering quality Christian and conservative media into the next generation and beyond. When we met with WaterStone, some 24 months ago, we believed it was a divine appointment. WaterStone is deeply aligned with the vision we had when our families founded this company.” -Salem Co-Founder Edward Atsinger III
“WaterStone understands who we are and why Salem has mattered for over 50 years. This partnership will accelerate our ability to expand the reach of our mission for years to come.” -Salem Media CEO David Santrella
What Remains Unclear: When the transaction will officially close. Salem’s board of directors unanimously approved the deal and it is expected to close in August 2026. However, that closing is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
What It Means: It’s the end of an era for Salem Media. The company has been steered by the Atsinger family since its founding. However, it seems cut and dry that the deal is a good one. Salem’s stock price closed Tuesday at 42 cents per share. WaterStone is paying $1 per share to acquire the outstanding shares of the company.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
Sadly, the era of Salem leadership feeling ‘chosen’ and entitled by God, and ignoring fundamental managerial decisions over the years, has resulted in this outcome. The Truth is The Gospel never needed Salem; instead Salem, like all of us, needed the Gospel.