WBZ, The Sports Hub get new owners as Entercom moves to complete radio merger
Entercom Communications Corp. and CBS Radio said Wednesday that they will divest five well-known Boston radio stations to win federal approval for a merger that could close within weeks.
The companies said news station 1030 WBZ and classic rock mainstay 100.7 WZLX, both CBS properties, will be part of a swap with iHeartMedia. Entercom’s adult contemporary station 97.7 WKAF and talk radio outlet 680 WRKO will also go to iHeartMedia, which was formerly called Clear Channel.
Also, CBS Radio will swap 98.5 The Sports Hub with Beasley Broadcast Group, and Entercom will receive WMJX 106.7 in return.
The US Justice Department’s antitrust division said it would require the companies to unload the stations as a condition of their merger. Entercom said Wednesday the merger is expected to close as soon as Nov. 17.
The changes add to the portfolio for iHeartMedia, which is already a major player in the Boston radio market, with stations including Kiss 108, JAM’N 94.5, Evolution 101.7, Talk 1430 101.7 The Bull.
Beasley also owns stations including ALT 92.9, HOT 96.9, Country 102.5, and 105.7 WROR.
