Woodward Communications will pay $4.3 million for the Neuhoff Media stations in Bloomington and Springfield IL.
Original Report 7/1: Neuhoff Media has completed the sale of its properties with a deal to sell its seven stations in Bloomington and Springfield IL to Woodward Communications for an undisclosed amount.
Woodward will acquire “Rock 96.7” WIHN, Variety Hits “97.9 Bob-FM” WBBE, and Hot AC “Now 100.7” WWHX in Bloomington and Variety Hits “96.7 Bob-FM” WCVS-FM, Hot AC “99.7 The Mix” WXAJ, Country 104.5 WFMB-FM, “Sports Radio 92.3” 1450 WFMB and the streaming “Channel 1450” local sports platform in Springfield.
The stations will be integrated into the company’s Woodward Community Media division joining their six stations in the Appleton and Green Bay WI markets along with print publications in Iowa and Wisconsin. Woodward President/CEO Tom Woodward states, “We are excited to welcome these exceptional brands into the WCI family. They are a great fit with our culture and dedication to serving local communities. We look forward to collaborating with a very talented and engaged team to continue delivering top-quality programming and service.”
Neuhoff Media trustee Julian Hickman commented, “This final sale is bittersweet for our family, reflecting both a proud legacy and an emotional farewell. Our grandfather, Roger Neuhoff, poured his heart into the broadcast industry since the mid-1950s. The stations have been a vital part of our family and community, and while we cherish the incredible journey, it is time to turn the page.” Fellow trustee Makena Neuhoff added, “We would like to thank the incredible teams of local broadcasters in Springfield and Bloomington. We will forever cherish the memories and the significant impact our stations had on the local communities.”
Neuhoff Interim CEO Steve Wexler commented, “I couldn’t be happier to transition these tremendous brands and talented, committed local broadcasters to the Woodward team. They share Neuhoff’s passion for localism and excellence. It’s been an honor to be part of this closing chapter in the proud Neuhoff broadcast journey.”
Tideline Partners’ Greg Guy advised Woodward on the acquisition, while Kalil & Co. acted as broker for Neuhoff. At its peak Neuhoff Media owned 24 stations in Illinois and Indiana. The company announced its plans to exit radio earlier this year selling Danville and Decatur IL to Champaign Multimedia Group and its Lafayette IN stations to Saga Communications.
