Hubbard Broadcasting is acquiring 16 radio stations and one translator in Minnesota from Omni Broadcasting, its entire complement.
The stations are in the Alexandria, Bemidji, Brainerd and Wadena markets. Broker Patrick Communications provided this breakdown: Alexandria group — KIKV(FM), Sauk Centre and KULO(FM), Alexandria; Bemidji group — KLLZ(FM), Walker, KKZY(FM), Bemidji, WQXJ(FM), Blackduck, KBHP(FM), Bemidji, KBUN(AM), Bemidji andK235BP-FX, Bemidji; Brainerd group — KLIZ(FM), Brainerd, WJJY(FM), Brainerd, KBLB(FM), Nisswa, KUAL(FM), Brainerd, KLIZ(AM), Brainerd and KVBR(AM), Brainerd; Wadena-Staples group — KKWS(FM), Wadena, KWAD(AM), Wadena and KNSP(AM), Staples.
Hubbard Chairwoman and CEO Ginny Morris said, “Hubbard Broadcasting is deeply committed to local radio and to Minnesota, and this is a great opportunity to expand the company’s presence into some wonderful local communities … We are committed to maintaining that dedication to excellence and community, and we look forward to welcoming all Omni employees to the Hubbard Broadcasting family.”
A release said that under the acquisition Hubbard will be adding 100 new employees. It added that the company expected no programming or personnel changes.
Omni Broadcasting President Lou Buron said, “Hubbard Broadcasting is a leader in our industry, and we believe that our stations could not be in better hands. Hubbard Broadcasting will be able to provide significant scale and growth potential to these stations, which well-positions our customers, employees and listeners for the future.”
The release also noted that “As a result of the expansion, Dan Seeman, vice president and market manager for Hubbard Radio Minneapolis-St. Paul, has been named vice president and regional manager of Minnesota Radio Operations for Hubbard Broadcasting.”
