VA Radio: WAMU Expects To Acquire Non-Com WWED

WAMU, the leading National Public Radio station in Washington, is poised to purchase Spotsylvania County’s classical music station WWED 89.5 FM, according to federicksburg.com.

According to the asset purchase agreement, WWED 89.5 FM will transfer its tower, building and all FCC licenses to WAMU for $375,000.

The station is owned the by Educational Media Corp., a nonprofit Christian ministry based in Spotsylvania. The company also owns WWEM 91.7 FM, which simulcasts WWED to the Lynchburg area.

Formed in 1961, WAMU 88.5 is member-supported, professionally staffed and licensed to American University. The station’s 24-hour format offers a mixture of news, public affairs talk programming and bluegrass.

WWED 88.5 FM (8Kw) 60dBu Coverage

WAMU released this statement about the purchase but declined to comment further:

“WAMU is interested in the possibility of purchasing WWED 89.5 in Spotsylvania, Va. We have filed an assignment application with the FCC and the American University Board of Trustees is reviewing the purchase. We would hope to have the purchase complete this fall.”

However, an application filed with the FCC in 2011 to renew WAMU’s license remains pending, the station disclosed in the asset purchase agreement. Dr. John Nelson has filed a petition questioning the qualifications of American University to hold the license.

In the agreement, WAMU stated that it is confident the FCC will rule in its favor.

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