KS Radio: Allied Media To Acquire Six Stations

Allied Media Partners (AMP) has reached an agreement to buy six radio stations from Kansas’ largest radio operator, Rocking M Media.

Rocking M is in its third and fourth generation of Kansas media ownership by the Miller family. The family has successfully owned and managed newspapers, KMCI-TV 38 in Lawrence and Kansas City and now 24 radio stations and associated networks throughout Kansas.

Wichita-based Allied Media Partners is purchasing KIBB-FM (97.1 BOB FM), KVWF-FM (Flight 100.5), KKGQ-FM (Kansas Country 92.3), & KWME-FM (92.7 The Blast) in Wichita, plus KLEY-FM/AM (The Wave 100.3/1130) in Wellington and KKLE-AM (The Valley 1550) in Winfield.

With this acquisition, AMP becomes the only locally owned media company with multiple FM stations in the Wichita market. AMP believes the opportunity to acquire a cluster of radio stations in their own backyard and with only Wichita investors, brings radio back to the grassroots level where it belongs.

Matt Baty

Allied Media Partners is led by two lifelong Wichitans. Matt Baty (Chief Executive Officer) brings a strong business background to AMP, with his experience in fundraising, sales and marketing from organizations such as The University of Kansas, Wichita State University, The Wichita Sports Forum and Equity Bank. Tommy Castor (Chief Operating Officer) has 15 years of Wichita radio experience, serving in programming leadership roles at various Wichita radio stations.

“AMP’s focus is Wichita, our business partners, our communities and our people,” said Baty. “We are committed to competing and earning your listenership. We want to be what radio was when we were growing up, integrated in the community as a partner.”

Tommy Castor

“Our team lives in the same community, shops at the same merchants and eats in the same restaurants as our clients, partners and listeners,” added Castor. “Not only will you get local ownership with AMP’s radio stations, but you’ll get a listening experience that will showcase Wichita, while still sounding ‘big city’.”

Allied Media Partners will begin programming the Wichita stations April 1 under a local marketing agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter. KIBB-FM (97.1 BOB FM), the heritage station, plays an Adult Hits Format, KVWF-FM (Flight 100.5) plays an Adult Album Alternative (AAA) format, KKGQ-FM (Kansas Country 92.3) plays a Throwback Country format and KWME-FM (92.7 The Blast) plays a Rhythmic Adult Contemporary format.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Matt Baty and former Rocking M employee Tommy Castor, in this transition of ownership. We wish them well and much success along with a close continued business relationship between AMP and Rocking M,” said Doris and Monte Miller of the Miller family.