EMF will close on their purchase of the three stations and one translator from Columbia International University today.

The closing will accompany the end of local programming on “New Life 91.9” WRCM Wingate/88.3 WRZM Boiling Springs/101.5 W268BU Mooresville, NC in the Charlotte market and 89.7 WMHK Columbia, SC. The stations will all join EMF’s “K-Love” network. Both stations have posted farewell messages on their websites.

Original Report 10/6: Columbia International University is selling its radio assets in Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC to Educational Media Foundation for $10.5 million.

The stations involved in the sale are Christian AC “New Life 91.9” WRCM Wingate and simulcasts 88.3 WRZM Boiling Springs and 101.5 W268BU Mooresville in the Charlotte market and Christian AC 89.7 WMHK Columbia. EMF intends to flip both stations to their “K-Love” network.

Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented the seller and was the exclusive broker in the transaction.

Columbia International University (CIU) has reached an agreement to sell its three Christian radio stations, WMHK 89.7 in Columbia, South Carolina, WRCM 91.9 in Wingate, North Carolina and WRZM 88.3 in Boiling Springs, North Carolina to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), which operates the KLOVE Radio Network.

CIU President Dr. Bill Jones says the sale assists CIU and K-LOVE in fulfilling their missions. “CIU will be in a stronger position to focus on its core purpose of educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” Jones said.

“Meanwhile, the radio stations will become part of an expanded outreach in the Carolinas with an owner who can continue their growth in the rapidly changing broadcast environment.”

K-LOVE is a dominant Christian music network heard over 450 stations and translators throughout the United States. The purchase of the three CIU stations will increase their influence in reaching as many people as possible with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.

EMF President and CEO Mike Novak has expressed appreciation of the opportunity to continue the heritage of Christian music over the CIU stations saying, “K-LOVE has partnered with and been supportive of WMHK, WRCM, and WRZM for years and has seen their impact in the communities they serve. We look forward to working hard to continue the tradition, while bringing what we have to offer to listeners throughout the Carolinas.”

K-LOVE’s mission is to create compelling media designed to inspire and encourage people to develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. KLOVE is listener supported and delivers positive, encouraging contemporary Christian music to approximately 18 million listeners through its 450 signals across 48 states. For more information visit: http://www.klove.com

WMHK and WRCM are award-winning stations that reach over 350,000 listeners each week. CIU Broadcasting began in 1976 when Columbia-area businessmen approached CIU for assistance in getting a Christian radio station on the air in the Midlands of South Carolina. The station (WMHK) soon became self-supporting. Noting an absence of Christian radio in the Charlotte, North Carolina market, CIU expanded its broadcasting reach with WRCM in 1993. WRZM, which reaches Shelby, North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina, was added in 2014. CIU’s focus on its core purpose of education comes with a total enrollment of nearly 1,200 students. Also affiliated with CIU is Ben Lippen School with nearly 800 students in Pre-K to 12th grade on two campuses.

Founded in 1923, Columbia International University is private, Christian and multidenominational. CIU specializes in Bible-centered professional development that prepares students to impact the nations with the message of Christ in ministry and the marketplace. The university is recognized for its emphasis on biblical authority and world evangelization.