Rhode Island-based Ocean State Media Group has announced an agreement to acquire 103.7 WVEI(FM) in Westerly, R.I., from Audacy.
The transaction is subject to FCC approval. WVEI had been the Providence-area simulcast for Boston’s sports-formatted 93.7 WEEI(FM) since 2004.
WVEI was also the Providence-area home for Boston Red Sox baseball.
In a release, the public media group cited the benefit of listeners being able to tune to a single frequency for its programming. Previously, Ocean State Media relied on a network of five frequencies across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts: 89.3 WNPN(FM) in Newport, 89.5 WNPW(FM) in Westerly, 90.7 WNPH(FM) in Portsmouth, 102.7 WNPE(FM) in Narragansett Pier and 1290 WPVD(AM) in Providence, which is also heard on a 102.9 FM translator.
WVEI operates with a Class B FM signal at 37 kW ERP, easily covering the state.
Ocean State Media CEO Pam Johnston, in a podcast interview posted on the outlet’s website, cited a cost of $4.9 million and said the transition to take over the signal could take up to 90 days.
It will involve consolidating operations and “transitioning from five frequencies to one,” including transmission equipment that would be financed over a period of time.
“The change will improve broadcast quality while also allowing for long-term operational efficiencies,” a release on the outlet’s website said.
Rhode Island Public Radio merged with PBS affiliate WSBE(TV) in 2023, a deal finalized in April 2024. In June 2025, Rhode Island PBS and “The Public’s Radio” were rebranded as Ocean State Media.
In 2023, Audacy closed its Providence local sales and marketing office for WVEI.
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