Family Life Broadcasting System is acquiring Cumulus Media’s “New Country 93.1” WDRQ Detroit for $10 million.
The station will convert to non-commercial operation at closing. The current format will remain until closing.
The move marks a quick return to Detroit for the group, which sold 1030 WUFL (now WKEG) Sterling Heights and four translators to Relevant Radio in November 2022 for $3.1 million. That AM was the former WDRQ until sold to Family Life in 1988. Originally launching on 1110 WUNN Mason MI in 1968, the now Tucson AZ based group now operates its Christian AC and Talk “Family Life Radio” network across eleven states.
Country Aircheck adds that David Corey is out as Cumulus Detroit Director of FM Programming overseeing WDRQ and Hot AC 96.3 WDVD ahead of the sale. Corey joined Cumulus Detroit in March 2021 after previously serving as Beasley Media’s National Country Brand Manager and PD of 102.5 WKLB Boston from 2017 until June 2020. He also spent ten years in Canada as Program Director of Hot AC 104.5 CHUM-FM Toronto and VP/Programming for Bell Media. Corey began his career at CHR “Kiss 108” WXKS-FM Boston at the age of seventeen and would stay there for 22 year eventually rising to serving as APD/MD from 1995 to 2006.
WDRQ ranked eighteenth in the April 2023 Nielsen Audio ratings with a 2.1 share well behind Audacy Country 99.5 WYCD’s 6.1 share. No word yet on the rest of the local airstaff which includes morning hosts Aaron ‘Goose’ Seller and Renee Vitale and APD/afternoon host Kevin Kennedy.
Cumulus Media also owns News/Talk 760 WJR in the Detroit market.
Family Life Radio (FLR) has announced intent to purchase WDRQ in Detroit and will begin airing later this summer. FLR reaches 80% of the population in Michigan through their already existing signals in Albion (96.7FM), Battle Creek (101.1 FM and AM 1400), Lansing (99.9 FM), Mason (AM 1110) and Midland (99.7 FM).
FLR was founded 57 years ago in Michigan by Warren Bolthouse, who broadcasted 12 hours a day from his basement studio. Today, the network has 35 signals in 11 states, reaching over 17 million people. FLR features a Christian contemporary format, playing artists such as TobyMac, MercyMe, Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin.
FLR has been on the air in Detroit for 35 years through their AM signal and are thrilled, for the first time in history, to now be able to serve the complete Detroit metro area with a powerful FM signal. “We are looking forward to bringing the message of hope in Christ to the Detroit community through a new and improved, high-quality signal,” said Evan Carlson, grandson of Bolthouse and president and chief executive officer for FLR.
In 2023, FLR was instrumental in encouraging sponsorships of more than 1,000 children through Compassion International. On a local level, FLR listeners support the annual Ultimate Baby Shower, helping moms and babies in need, by donating thousands of items such as diapers, car seats and clothing. They also support many other initiatives and events including the annual Toy Drive, providing hope at Christmas for over 500 families across the country.
FLR is looking forward to connecting with the Detroit audience by igniting hope and transformation through the Biblical, Christ-centered messages and music broadcasted through the airwaves, digitally and through events. Dr. Randy Carlson, founder of Intentional Living, a flagship program of FLR, says, “We are honored to be able to serve the listeners in Detroit, equipping them with the tools they need to live a more intentional life in Christ.”
FLR would like to thank Kalil and Company for their assistance with the transaction.
