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Hymns are set to replace hip-hop on one frequency of the Indianapolis radio dial.
Maryland-based media firm Urban One Inc. has agreed to sell WHHH-FM 96.3 to Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bible Broadcasting Network for $3.2 million, according to an asset purchase agreement filed with the Federal Communications Commission.
Urban One is selling the 96.3 frequency to adhere to rules based on how many radio stations a company can own in a single city. Pending approval by the FCC, Urban One is purchasing Indianapolis radio stations owned by Emmis Communications—a deal that would push Urban One past the limit of five local FM stations.
Carl Redemann, executive director of Bible Broadcasting Network, said his company is pursuing expansion in the Midwest. In Indiana, the network already operates radio stations in Wakarusa, Jasper and Washington.
Defined as a non-commercial and educational broadcast company, the Bible Broadcasting Network operates more than 50 radio stations in 23 states.
“The Lord opened this door to Indianapolis, for which we are grateful,” Redemann said in an email interview. “BBN has seen a great response from our other outreaches in Indiana, and we are looking forward to ministering to those in the Indianapolis area.”
Reddemann said his company plans to use the call letters WYHK at 96.3.
Urban One will retain the WHHH call letters and hip-hop music format associated with “Hot 96.3.” The music now heard on the 96.3 frequency could migrate to the 100.9 FM frequency, where Urban One plans to end its pop music “Radio Now” format and sell the intellectual property rights to a third party. Attempts to reach representatives of Urban One for comment were unsuccessful.
If the Emmis transaction is approved, the projected roster of Indianapolis FM stations owned by Urban One will be WTLC-FM 106.7, WIBC-FM 93.1, WYXB-FM 105.7, WLHK-FM 97.1 and the to-be-announced format at 100.9. WIBC, WYXB and WLHK are presently owned by Emmis.
Emmis-to-Urban One stations WFNI-FM 93.5 and 105.5, both known as The Fan, are broadcast via translators W228CX and W298BB, and translator stations are not counted as FM stations for the purpose of the FCC’s multiple ownership rule.
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I know radio is somewhat a dying breed, but this news is boring. Indy radio moves deeper in the crapola. Don’t we have religious stations already? I guess no one else wanted the frequency anyway at that price.
The Colts will have a radio home.
What it speaks to is that it’s darn near impossible to make money owning a radio station. Emmis bailed and got out. BBN doesn’t have a profit motive. Yes, it’s another satellite feed just like AirOne or KLove. If you don’t like it, don’t listen.
Do the Colts have a radio home with all of these changes?
For anyone advocating the new owner changes the call letters to WGOD, it ain’t going to happen. That’s because WGOD is owned and operated by The North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Broadcasting Corporation.
David, I appreciate this news. Are the hymns going to be contemporary or old hymns/spirituals? I will def put this on my car radio. Not saying I am a fan per se, too early to say, but variety is good.