MI Radio: Meet Jamie McKibben, From Morning Host to Owner

Jamie McKibben

Jamie McKibbin has spent the last 23 years working for Jackson Radio Works, including 18 years as a morning show host on K105.3.  Now, he's buying the business, according to mlive.com. 

"I love Jackson, I love the community, I love being a part of the community," McKibbin said. "I've had a passion for radio since I've been a kid."

Jackson Radio Works operates Newstalk WKHM 970 AM  / W268CA 101.5 FM, WKHM K105.3 FM, WIBM 95.9 FM The Power Cow and Sports W270CJ 101.9 FM, WKHM-HD2.

McKibbin and his wife Katina are taking over from current owners Susan and Bruce Goldsen, who bought the stations in 1997. The Goldsens will stay on as consultants for the next five years to help the transition, Bruce Goldsen said.

“There’s been a lot of consolidation in the radio business,” Goldsen said. “When we have an opportunity to keep local radio stations local with somebody who lives in the community and has been in the community for basically all his life, it made perfect sense.”

Listeners will continue to "hear the same great programming," McKibbin said. The business has about 20 employees, he said.

The deal is expected to close by the end of 2019, pending Federal Communications Commission approval.