Update 2/13: Union Broadcasting will convert its LMA of 105.7 WTUV-FM into an outright purchase.
Union will pay $325,000 for the station that rimshots the eastern side of the Louisville market. Davidson Media will retain Regional Mexican “La Poderosa 620” WTUV.
Original Report 2/2: A pair of changes have taken place in the Louisville area this weekend.
Union Broadcasting’s “ESPN 680” WHBE Louisville has gained an FM simulcast on the eastern side of the market. Davidson Media’s 105.7 WTUV-FM Eminence, KY has flipped from a simulcast of sister Regional Mexican “La Poderosa 620” WTUV to a simulcast of WHBE. WTUV-FM rimshots the Louisville market with 3kW at 100 meters.
Meanwhile New Albany Broadcasting Company has ended its LMA of 104.3 WLUE-FM Charlestown, IN after being unable to complete a purchase of the station. The move brings an end to the Classic Hits “Louie 104.3” format as the station returns to owner Way Media and its Christian AC “Way-FM” format as WAYG. The Way-FM format is also heard in Louisville on 93.9 WAYI Sellersburg, IN and 105.9 WAYK Valley Station, KY.
The operators of the Louie format left the following message on their site in regards to the end of their operations:
As of Feb 1st 2014 Louie will no longer be heard on 104.3 FM. For the past two years our company has been leasing and programming Louie 104.3, but did not own the station. After many arduous attempts to complete the purchase, we have decided not to exercise our option to acquire the frequency from its owner, WAY FM Media. Going forward we will be focusing on stations that we already own in the market, which include WKYI TV 24, Indiana 9 WNDA TV, News/Talk 1570 AM & WLRS 1600 AM. We appreciate the support from our listeners and advertisers during the past 24 months. We will continue to grow our company in the future with other potential properties and opportunities.
