Columbus OH Radio: Saga To Acquire WLVQ-FM

Saga Communications announced Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Classic Rock WLVQ 96.3 FM from Wilks Broadcast – Columbus LLC. for a reported $13M.

WLVQ’s classic rock format will not change, said Edward K. Christian, Saga’s president and CEO, in a statement.

"This station will add another heritage radio station to our already strong station group in Columbus, OH. We look forward to working with the existing staff to continue the great rock heritage that this station has established.  Saga intends to continue building its business in both the radio and television markets by identifying and acquiring middle market stations."  Christian said.

WLVQ 96.3 FM (18 Kw) Red=Local coverage Area

In addition to WSNY, Saga’s other Columbus properties include AC WVMX 107.9 FM and Classic Hits WNND 103.5 FM / 104.3 FM / Rewind. Michigan-based Saga owns or operates broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 66 FM and 32 AM radio stations.

Georgia-based Wilks continues to own two other stations in central Ohio — Sports WZOH 95.5 FM and Classic Country WHOK 107.1 FM in central Ohio. Formed in late 2004, Wilks owned as many as 21 stations in six markets in 2009, but has been selling off stations in the past two years and now owns nine stations in three markets.