IN Radio: Adams Group Closes On Radio One Com Stations

Adams Radio Group has closed on its acquisition of Radio One Communications stations in Northwest Indiana.

Ron Stone, president and CEO of Adams, said, "My excitement for this market is through the roof. There are so few opportunities like this ... The Ellis family's 50-year stewardship of these stations has been amazing, and we are fortunate to be the next stewards of these great properties. These stations serve the Region, a fast-growing area from Chicago to South Bend covering about a million people -- great additions to our company."

Leigh, Len Ellis

Radio One Communications owned WLJE-FM, WXRD-FM, WZVN-FM and WAKE-AM. Len Ellis, who's known as "Uncle Len," is 86, and Leigh Ellis, 60, said he wants to retire and pursue other hobbies and devote more time to his family. The staff and stations will continue as they are now for the foreseeable future, they said.

Leigh Ellis said the family hired a broker last May to actively market the stations nationwide. Four companies talked to them about buying it, and others expressed interest before Adams Radio Group was chosen.

"We're excited to be joining Adams Radio and becoming part of a larger group," said O.J. Jackson, market manager. "We are excited to work with the people at Adams and together bring the stations to the next level."

This is the third market for Adams Radio Group since reentering the radio business last July. Adams closed on Las Cruces, NM in December and its eight station cluster in Fort Wayne in June.