Three New England Groups Merge As Coastal Media Partners

New England (ThinkStock)

NEW ENGLAND radio groups PORT BROADCASTING, LLC, ARUBA CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC, and GARRISON CITY BROADCASTING are merging as COASTAL MEDIA PARTNERS. The stations included will be PORT's Oldies WNBP-A-W291CC (THE LEGENDS)/NEWBURYPORT, MA and Oldies WWSF-A-W272CG (THE LEGENDS)/SANFORD, ME;  ARUBA's PORT-managed Classic Rock WXEX-A/EXETER-WXEX-F/SANFORD, ME; and GARRISON CITY's News-Talk WTSN-A and AC WBYY (98.7 THE BAY)/DOVER-PORTSMOUTH, NH.  PORT's co-owners, GM CARL STRUBE and OM PETE FALCONI, will oversee day-to-day operations of the combined operation.

"There is a great deal of synergy in this merger," FALCONI said, "All of the stations are very community-focused but offer different brands to attract different demographics. The overall radio signal footprint spans geographies to reach a population of just over two million people."

ARUBA's ANDY HARTMANN said, "Local businesses can target local listeners from the North Shore of MASSACHUSETTS up the coast to PORTLAND, ME by working with one regional broadcaster that offers reasonable rates. Consumers today want to support local -- whether it is shopping, eating  or listening local. Together, we serve the towns and cities where we live and work by providing news, information and entertainment, along with contributing to the regional economy."

"After 30 years of being independent radio station owners, our family is delighted to form a partnership with three radio veterans who understand the importance of providing our listeners with local programming, news and sports," said GARRISON CITY SVP SUSAN DEMERS WEINGOLD. "Our niche is to keep our stations community based. We can expand on community service and provide businesses with creative advertising opportunities that reach across three states on six stations."

STRUBE added,  "We look forward to working together to create tremendous local radio opportunities and programming."

JBMEDIA's BRAD MURRAY advised PORT in the deal.

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