Monday, October 19, 2020

St. Louis Radio: Deal For KFNS Reported To Be In the Works

St. Louis personality John  Hadley, who has had various managerial titles in addition to an on-air role in his 3½ years at the KFNS 590 AM, reportedly is putting together “a group of guys who are young and enthusiastic and want to get after this,” to purchase the station, reports The St. Louis Dispatch.

Current station owners Randy Markel confirmed last week that his talks are advanced with Hadley’s organization.

“They would take over immediately, once the deal is signed,” Markel said. “But we’ve been there before.”

According to the story, that’s in reference to numerous deals that seemed to be close, but never finalized, in the nearly five years Markel has owned KFNS. He has had major flirtations just this year with two Metro East businessmen as well as a group convened by Tim McKernan, co-host and owner of the the station’s morning drive-time show. There also have been significant talks with others. Now …

“A deal has been agreed to in principal” with Hadley and company, Markel said. “Hopefully we can get it signed next week.”

KFNS 590 AM (1 Kw)

Hadley, in his off-air role, has been involved in Markel’s negotiations with some of the other suitors. He insisted that “this deal will be finalized … it is not like anything in the past” with KFNS. “And this is coming from a very conservative guy.”

Hadley said that his group would return the station to the sports-intensive format that is its roots, which it has veered away from at times in recent years.

A key move already is pending, one that strongly indicates a deal finally seems to be imminent. Frank O. Pinion, owner and lead host of the station’s “Large Morning Show in the Afternoon” program, announced Thursday that its final installment at KFNS will be on Oct. 29.

The entertainment/general chit-chat program has been a fixture in 590’s Monday-Thursday 3-6 p.m. slot for three years, and Pinion said on the air that there are no hard feelings about the run ending.

The purchase price is believed to be about $500,000.

No comments:

Post a Comment