Louisville Radio: Randy Michaels Group To Acquire WAKY

Veteran radio executive Randy Michaels, through his company WAKYANA LLC, has acquired the Oldies-formatted “WAKY Radio” in Louisville, Kentucky, from W&B Broadcasting, led by Bill Walters. 

The purchase includes AM station 620 WAKY, FM translators 100.1 W261CO and 106.3 W292FS in Louisville, 104.9 W285ER in Prospect, and 103.5 WAKY-FM in Radcliff, Kentucky. The transaction, announced on June 30, 2025, was facilitated by Kalil & Co. Inc., with the sale price undisclosed.

Michaels, a prominent figure in radio with a career spanning decades, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, noting WAKY’s historical significance. He highlighted its legacy as one of the greatest Top 40 stations, previously associated with radio legends like Gordon McClendon and Johnny Randolph.

Michaels stated, “Putting WAKY on that list was an easy and obvious choice. I have great reverence and respect for this amazing station and its heritage.”

The deal also involves Bill Gentry, a seasoned Louisville radio executive who previously managed stations for Clear Channel, Alpha Media, and Cumulus Media. Michaels praised Gentry’s expertise, noting his history of successfully managing Louisville stations and humorously adding that acquiring WAKY gives Gentry “a turn” at running it. 

WAKYANA President Jeff Ziesmann also commended W&B Broadcasting for establishing WAKY as a top brand in the Louisville market, expressing excitement about continuing its legacy.

This acquisition follows Michaels’ pattern of investing in radio properties through his holding company, Radioactive LLC, which also owns stations in New York and Kentucky, often leased to third parties.

Earlier in 2024, Michaels acquired WOXY in Cincinnati, Ohio, for $1.8 million, converting it to a simulcast of “The Oasis” classic hits format. His extensive career includes leadership roles at Jacor Communications, Clear Channel, and Tribune Broadcasting, with a focus on consolidating and expanding radio’s reach.

The sellers, including Walters, Rene Bell, and Mike Baldwin, described their nearly 20-year stewardship of WAKY as “a dream come true,” expressing confidence in WAKYANA’s ability to carry forward the station’s legacy. The acquisition strengthens Michaels’ portfolio and underscores his ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing historic radio brands in key markets like Louisville.