Atlanta Radio Update: Cumulus Sells 3 Signals

Cumulus Media has sold Atlanta’s 97.9 FM to a Christian radio network, marking the third time in seven years a Christian broadcaster has taken over a local FM signal.

The buyer is Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network, which will flip the station to Joy FM, a contemporary Christian pop format, once the FCC approves the deal.

Besides 97.9 FM, RTN will also acquire Classic Country “93.3 Nash Icon” WWFF-FM New Market/Huntsville AL, and Sports “100.5 The Game” WWFN-FM Marion/Florence SC. for a reported total of $2.45 million.

The 97.9 signal currently airs classic hip-hop as OG 97.9, featuring Atlanta artist Chubb Rock. That programming will relocate to the weaker 98.9 signal, which has been simulcasting the rock station 99X.The acquisition gives Joy FM, already heard in Atlanta on 93.3, a stronger signal inside I-285 to better cover the core market. Joy FM has operated on 93.3 since 1998 with a more southside focus. 

The network also has signals in Gainesville (100.3), Lawrenceville (92.5), Columbus (102.1), and Macon/Warner Robins (102.1).

This is the latest in a series of similar shifts. In 2019, Cumulus sold 106.7 FM to Educational Media Foundation, which launched the national K-Love Christian format. Last year, Salem Media sold 105.7 FM, home to the long-running local Christian pop station Fish, including the popular Kevin & Taylor morning show, to the same group. That station now airs the national Air1 worship format. Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott have since moved to Star 94. Radio Training Network, which operates stations in seven states, paid $2.45 million for Cumulus signals in Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia, including 97.9.

“We will be able to fill in the gaps in our greater Atlanta coverage,” said RTN President Carmen Brown. “Our acquisitions are always to reach more people and serve them better.”

Cumulus Atlanta market manager Justin Schaflander said the sale and frequency shifts “reflect our disciplined approach to optimizing our Atlanta assets” and will improve signal efficiency for the company’s remaining brands.

Joy FM previously featured local Atlanta talent such as longtime afternoon host Jerry Williams, who joined in 1998 and remained with the station until 2024. The network now primarily uses programming originating from Florida.