First Media Services will pay $1.8 million for Alpha Media’s six stations and one translator in Bluefield.
In the contract for the sale, First Media Services states that it intends to divest their Hot AC “Mix 102.9” WKQB Pocahontas VA and Alpha’s Classic Hip-Hop “G98.7” 1240 WKEZ to stay under the Nielsen defined limit of 6 stations in the Bluefield market (as their 92.7 WKQR and 1150 WELC were not designated as being in the market). However the filing also states that since Bluefield is no longer a Nielsen surveyed market they are awaiting to amend the application upon completion of a contour-based showing to determine what it will keep and what will be divested.
Original Report 9/16: Alpha Media has sold its six stations in Bluefield WV to First Media Services LLC for an undisclosed amount.
First Media Services, which operates under the name West Virginia-Virginia Media, will acquire Alpha’s cluster that includes Classic Rock “Eagle 100.9” WKOY-FM Princeton, CHR “J104.5” WHAJ-FM Bluefield, Country “Kicks Country” 106.3 WHKX Bluefield/107.7 WHQK Gary, Classic Hip-Hop “G98.7” 1240 WKEZ/98.7 W254CV, and News/Talk 1440 WHIS Bluefield.
First Media Services Managing Partner Bob Spencer told the Bluefield Register-Herald, “We feel extremely blessed and honored to have the torch passed to us from well-respected former owners, including Mike Shott and the Shott Family, David Benjamin of Triad Broadcasting Company, and Larry Wilson of Alpha Media. In my opinion, these stations have one of the best and most talented staffs in the region. Many of them have worked there for over two and even three decades. It’s an amazing opportunity to continue great radio and first-class customer service throughout our corner of the Virginias.” Spencer also mentioned that 1440 WHIS, which does not have an FM translator, will soon be heard on FM in addition to AM.
As the company already owns CHR “Kiss 92.7” WKQR Mullens, Hot AC “Mix 102.9” WKQB Pocahontas VA, Classic Country “Willie 94.5” 1050 WAMN Green Valley/94.5 W233CL Bluefield/97.3 W247BO Bluefield, and Country 1150 WELC Welch, it is unknown what stations will be divested to keep the company under the ownership limits.
