May 9, 2017

Emmis Announces Agreement to Sell LA's Power 106 to Meruelo Group

emmis communications, hot 97, KDAY, los angeles radio, New York radio, power 106, radio, urban, wbls

Los Angeles' legendary Hip Hop stations, Power 106 and KDAY are now owned by Meruelo Group. Power 106, has taken a dip in ratings since the popular Big Boy's Neighborhood Morning Show move to with iHeartRadio's Real 92.3 more than two years ago. Emmis, which owns WBLS and Hot 97 in New York City, is facing financial debt. The impending sale helps the bottom line for the company that mainly owns Midwest radio stations.

Emmis Communications has announced an agreement to sell KPWR-FM Power 106 in Los Angeles to an affiliate of the Meruelo Group for $82.75 million, subject to closing adjustments and prorations, pending FCC and other regulatory approvals.

"Power 106 has been part of the Emmis family for more than 32 years, so this day is bittersweet, but I am confident that the station and our team are in good hands," said Jeff Smulyan, Chairman and CEO of Emmis Communications. "The Meruelo Group will be great owners of this historic brand, and take it to even greater heights."

A Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) will begin promptly following the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

The Meruelo Group, whose Meruelo Media affiliate acquired Los Angeles TV station KWHY-22 in 2011 and radio station KDAY-FM in 2014, is the largest minority owned media group in California.

Following its participation in the FCC TV spectrum auction earlier this year, Meruelo Media is now re-investing a portion of the auction proceeds to expanding its media holdings with the acquisition of heritage station KPWR-FM. Closing of the KPWR-FM sale is subject to FCC approval of the assignment of the KPWR-FM FCC license, as well as receipt of the incentive auction proceeds.

"The acquisition of Power 106 is a game changer for our group and our media division," stated Alex Meruelo, Chairman and CEO. "As a fan and someone who has had a business relationship with this station for more than 30 years, I understand the importance of Power 106 to this community. We are committed to bringing the resources, talent and passion necessary to make this legendary brand the #1 radio station in Los Angeles."

Emmis purchased KPWR-FM from Century Broadcasting in May 1984. The transaction is expected to close in the back half of 2017.