Pamal Broadcasting is buying Galaxy Media. The deal adds 10 Syracuse and Utica stations to Pamal’s growing upstate New York footprint.
What We Know: Pamal will pay an undisclosed amount for Galaxy, pending FCC approval. Meanwhile, the company takes over operations October 1 through a Local Marketing Agreement. As a result, Pamal will handle day-to-day management and programming while regulators review the sale. Currently, Pamal operates stations in Albany, the Hudson Valley, Glens Falls, and Rutland, Vermont.
What They Said: Pamal President and CEO Jim Morrell said the company is “very excited to add Galaxy’s team and stations.” Moreover, he noted Pamal’s reach now runs from New York City all the way through Utica and Syracuse. Meanwhile, Galaxy founder and CEO Ed Levine called his 36-year run “a lifelong dream.” Still, he said he “could not be happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting.”
What Remains Unclear: Neither company disclosed the purchase price. Additionally, Pamal hasn’t said whether it plans format, talent, or staffing changes in Syracuse and Utica. Likewise, nobody has offered a timeline for FCC approval. According to Pamal, more details will follow after regulatory review.
What It Means: Ultimately, the deal gives Pamal a continuous corridor from the New York City suburbs into central New York. For Galaxy, it closes a 36-year chapter under Levine. Furthermore, it shows regional operators still see real growth in local radio. Most importantly, Galaxy’s stations stay with a broadcaster rooted in upstate New York.
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