Manning Media has purchased three additional radio stations from VerStandig Media for $700,000, bringing its total to eight stations across the Frederick, Hagerstown, Martinsburg, and Chambersburg, Pa., markets and strengthening its presence in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia region.
The newly acquired stations are 101.5 WAYZ, 92.1 BOB Rocks, and 100.9 NEXT. Combined with Manning’s existing holdings—Key 103, 106.9 The Eagle, Fred fm, 106.3 WARK, and 93.5 MAX Country—the expanded group now reaches an estimated 281,800 people.
Manning Media President and CEO Fred Manning said the deal grew out of years of friendly competition with John VerStandig. The two began serious discussions about a sale around June. Manning noted that many businesses already operate in both Frederick and Hagerstown, making the geographic overlap a natural fit for consolidation.
He said the acquisition will allow the companies to combine staffs, advertising sales efforts, and other services. “It makes perfect sense,” Manning said. “We’re now a regional powerhouse, I think.”
The transaction positions Manning Media as a larger operator in a multi-state area where radio still serves local news, music, and advertising needs across several mid-sized markets.