5 area radio stations change hands

5 area radio stations change hands

Nov. 23, 2000

By Jim Mimiaga
Journal Staff Writer

A California-based broadcasting company has purchased five radio stations in the Four Corners, it was announced this week, but no major changes in format are expected in the near future.

In a $5 million deal prompted in part by the Federal Communications Commission, American General Media (AGM) of Bakersville, Calif., acquired KISZ in Cortez, KPTE and KDGO in Durango, along with KENN and KRWN in Farmington from Clear Channel Communications. AGM already owned KRTZ and KVFC.

The stations represent diverse styles. FM stations KRTZ and KISZ (Kiss Country) play country music, AM stations KVFC and KDGO play rock oldies, FM station KRWN (The Crown) spins classic rock, KPTE (The Point) plays modern rock and KENN on the AM dial is a news talk station.

AGM Vice President Rogers Brandon said Wednesday that no format or management changes are expected for the stations, which are organized as a separate Four Corners branch.

"We are very enthused to expand into the Four Corners market and the plan is to stay in the saddle and continue the ride as is," Brandon said. "It is a prime region."

Brandon estimated that AGM now holds about one-third of the burgeoning market in the region. He praised former owner Roberts Radio for its "well-run operations with a well-equipped team of people who are really inspiring."

Roberts Radio sold the stations to Clear Channel Communications, which in turn quickly unloaded the stations to AGM because of FCC regulations that limit how many stations one company can own in a particular market region. Clear Channel Communications owns several other stations in the Four Corners, including several in Farmington.

"It was a great opportunity for us and a matter of FCC and Justice Department compliance for them," Brandon said.

AGM’s Rocky Mountain branch includes stations in Avon, Glenwood Springs, Steamboat, and Aspen among others in resort filled Summit County. The company runs between 40 and 50 stations, Brandon said, in California, New Mexico and Colorado.