Philly Radio: Randy Michaels Sells WWIQ

And many market watchers are surprised at who's buying. Afterall, many thought CBS Radio wanted an FM outlet for its KYW.

Merlin Media’s WWIQ 106.9 FM has been sold to Education Media Foundation (EMF) is a non-profit broadcaster of contemporary Christian music and programming, with 700 radio stations and the top ranked K-LOVE.

WWIQ was another effort by Merlin magician Randy Michaels to own stations in major markets.  His stations in New York City and chiago have already been sold, after short-lived news formats.  It was just 18 months ago, Merlin paid Harold Camping’s Family Radio $22.5 million for Christian WKDN, Camden. There are reports this deal is around $19 million.

The Camden-licensed station has had more downs than ups in the two years since Merlin Media bought  and transformed it to a news and information outlet, according to philly.com.

At first there were grumblings the station would go gunning for CBS Radio outlets in the market.  First, it was newser KYW 1060 AM, then The Big Talker WPHT 1210 AM.  In the most recent July PPMs, WWIQ scored a flat 2.1 -- 2.1 share 6+.

Lots to talk about at the Radio discussions message board, Click Here.

The sale, pending FCC approval, mean talkers Don Imus, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity  will be searching for new outlets.

The City of Brotherly Love can expect EMF’s non-commercial, contemporary Christian  K-Love format to air on 106.9 FM after the closing.  The format currently airs on Class A WKVP 89.5 FM.