PRINCETON — Regional Media — Virden Broadcasting (RM) announced last week that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase WZOE-AM 1490, WZOE-FM (Z-98), and WRVY 100.5, as well as numerous digital assets serving Princeton and the surrounding area.
“We’re very happy to be able to expand to the Princeton area; they fit nicely into our overall plan of concentration in Illinois and will allow us to further support local communities,” said Fletcher Ford, Regional Media — Virden Broadcasting’s president and CEO.
Regional Media owns and operates radio stations and digital websites throughout Illinois and Iowa, and has holdings in Kaua’i, Hawaii as well.
“For over half a century, WZOE and its sister stations; Z98 and WRVY, have brought local content and care to the Illinois Valley and the surrounding areas. I cannot think of a better group of people to continue this tradition than Fletcher Ford and his team at Regional Media,” said current WZOE Inc. Chief Operating Officer Mike Samet.
“I am excited to assist with bringing their excellence in broadcasting to Princeton and the surrounding markets,” Samet said.
Tom Clark has been named general sales manager with current Regional Media Vice President of Operations Jason Gilbraith taking an active role in the day-to-day operations.
Regional Media — Virden Broadcasting will take over operations on Feb. 1.