FM stations change hands

Web posted Tuesday, November 14, 2000

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By John Bankston
Staff Writer

Beasley Broadcasting Co. has purchased two Augusta radio stations, WKXC-FM (99.5) and WSLT-FM (98.3), from GHB Broadcasting for a reported $12 million.

Denyse Mesnik, director of communications for Beasley, said the deal is expected to close in three to six months.

Beasley's Augusta cluster now totals eight, the maximum allowed in a single market under Federal Communications Commission regulations.

The move will eliminate GHB from the Augusta market, leaving only three broadcast groups in the area: Beasley, Clear Channel Broadcasting and Radio One Broadcasting.

Coni Sansom, vice president general manager for GHB, said reaction among station employees was muted.

``Everyone seems OK with it,'' Ms. Sansom said. ``I worked for Mr. Beasley for 12 years before, and I know others here have worked for him in the past. We've enjoyed our association with GHB; it's a great radio group, but Beasley is good as well.''

Beasley representatives told Ms. Sansom no immediate personnel moves are planned. She said the sale was not the result of poor earnings or listenership.

``From January on to this point, we've had our best revenue and our best ratings ever,'' Ms. Sansom said. `` ... Mr. Beasley was probably very persistent in wanting to finish his cluster here; (GHB) probably saw it as an opportunity to sell at its highest value.''

WKXC-FM ``Kicks 99'' is a country music station. WSLT-FM ``Lite 98'' has a soft rock format.

Naples, Fla.-based Beasley has operated continuously in the Augusta area since 1992. Since then, the group has moved toward completing its Augusta cluster, most recently by purchasing WRFN-FM (93.1) and WRDW-AM (1480) last May.

Reach John Bankston at (706) 823-3352 or jbanks15@hotmail.com

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