Urban One Buys Washington, D.C. Sports Talk Station 980 The Team
Urban One, Red Zebra Broadcasting and the Washington Redskins announced today that Urban One has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of the radio station The Team 980 (WTEM 980 AM) from Red Zebra Broadcasting, pending FCC approval. In addition, Urban One has also entered into an agreement with the Washington Redskins to ensure that all Redskins games, as well as pregame and postgame programming, will remain on The Team 980.
The acquisition is the first step in a collaborative effort between the Redskins and Urban One to keep The Team 980 as the fans’ premier source for radio coverage of the Washington Redskins.
“We believe the future of The Team 980 is in great hands with Urban One,” said Terry Bateman, Chairman of Red Zebra Broadcasting. “We view this as an opportunity for Urban One and the Redskins to build a close partnership to continue to provide the Redskins’ fans with unparalleled access and content, keeping The Team 980 as the fans’ destination for the best Redskins coverage.”
In addition to The Team 980, the Redskins game day broadcasts – including pregame, in-game and postgame programming – will air on WMAL 105.9 FM and 630 AM as a valued part of the Redskins Radio Network.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Urban One and we are especially pleased that through our acquisition, The Team 980 will continue to be locally owned. The acquisition of The Team 980 is very much in line with our strategy of super-serving our community of listeners. We have deep roots in the greater Washington, DC area and are well aware that The Team 980 has always been a fan favorite,” said Alfred C. Liggins, President and CEO of Urban One. “Red Zebra has a track record of producing great programming that engages our hometown sports fans. We look forward to working with the Washington Redskins organization to continue this tradition.”
980 The Team joins the Radio One family of stations in the DMV which include 93.9 WKYS, Majic 102.3 WMMJ, Praise 104.1 WPRS, Founding Heritage Station 1450 WOL AM, and Spirit 1340 WYCB AM. Last year, Urban One bought 92.7 FM WWXT from Red Zebra Broadcasting as a simulcast for urban adult contemporary Majic 102.3. The Redskins games will continue to be broadcast on WMAL, 105.9 FM and 630 AM.
