Baltimore’s top public radio outlet has acquired a beloved regional peer known for amplifying local music on the air and through live events.
The Baltimore Business Journal reports WYPR 88.1 FM on Friday announced its plans to acquire WTMD 89.7 FM from Towson University, owner of the station since 2014. WTMD general manager Scott Mullins confirmed a report from WYPR that the sale price is $3 million, to be financed in part by donor contributions and loans.
An announcement said WYPR “is uniquely positioned to continue the expansion of WTMD as both stations have succeeded in providing music exploration on new platforms,” which include live streaming, multiple HD radio channels, mobile applications and live events.
WTMD program director and general manager Scott Mullins said in an interview that the station and its team "couldn't be more excited about this."
"This is the best thing that could have happened for us," he said, noting it's "not uncommon" for public radio stations to join forces (New York Public Radio offers one example, with dual ownership news station WNYC and classical station WQXR).
With WYPR and WTMD being Baltimore-centric, "this is gonna broaden our resources and our ability to reach audiences," Mullins said.
LaFontaine Oliver, who has been president and general manager of WYPR since 2019, told the BBJ talks about an acquisition of WTMD "became serious" at the beginning of 2021. He said he's thrilled to have a chance to support the music station, and that it's personally gratifying to help preserve the legacy of a university-based radio outlet.
With WYPR acquiring WYMD, "it feels good and it's an opportunity to do the work that I love doing, which is serving communities through our unique brand of public media," Oliver noted.
The license transfer is subject to approval by the FCC, a process that typically takes several months.
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