0 Word Broadcasting Network will take over operations of Salem Media’s Louisville cluster via LMA on Tuesday, January 3.

Word is operated by Dr. Bob Rodgers, who also serves as Senior Pastor of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville. The company owns ION TV affiliate WBNA 21 and operates Christian AC 88.5 WJIE Louisville.

The transaction with Salem will add control of Christian Preaching 94.7 WFIA-FM New Albany IN, 900 WFIA Louisville and upcoming translator 107.3 W297BV Louisville (which was set to flip to Christian AC “The River“), and Conservative Talk “970 The Answer” WGTK Louisville.

Salem Media Group announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Word Broadcasting Network to transfer the operation of Salem’s Louisville stations (WFIA-AM; WFIA-FM; WGTK-AM) under a local marketing agreement. Word Broadcasting Network owns and operates 12 radio stations, AM, FM, short wave, and Channel 21 in Louisville.

Salem CEO Ed Atsinger stated, “Salem rarely leaves a market because we desire that our unique formats will continue to serve the needs of audiences in cities like Louisville. This agreement is unique in that Word Broadcasting is like-minded with us in shared mission, shared values, and passion for our formats. For some time our two organizations have discussed how we could consolidate our respective operations in the interest of greater stewardship of our resources. We believe this agreement sets the stage to achieve that objective of increased service to our audiences and stakeholders.”

The agreement is scheduled to become effective January 3, 2017.