Radio Activity: Local Radio Consolidates

[XLFD]

Kudos to the Mason County Press for uncovering this late last week, but the Ludington Torch has confirmed the news that Lake Michigan Broadcasting, owner of four area radio stations, has been acquired by Synergy Media led by local resident Todd Mohr.  The original story was broadcasted here:  wkla-and-sister-stations-sold.  A call to Lake Michigan Broadcasting confirmed the sale, and the Michigan radio & Broadcast Guide (Michiguide.com) related also this morning that:

"There is nothing on file with the FCC as of this morning, but over the weekend I received several tips that Lake Michigan Broadcasting has decided to sell its cluster of four stations (WKLA-FM/AM 106.3 / 1450 Ludington, WKZC-FM 94.9 Scottville, WMTE-FM 101.5 Manistee) along the West Michigan shoreline to Synergy Media, which also owns/operates stations in the same region (WWKR-FM 94.1 Ludington, WMLQ-FM 97.7 Manistee and a construction permit for WLDN FM 98.7 Pentwater).

Once filed, the transaction will require the approval of the FCC before it is completed.

It also appears that there were a large number of layoffs on Friday at Lake Michigan Broadcasting, leaving those stations with essentially a barebones staff. Lake Michigan Broadcasting is owned by the Baerwolf family and Synergy Media by Todd Mohr."

http://www.michiguide.com/archives2012/2012/06/ownership-changes-co...

 

 

The financial realities of these days may dictate a certain amount of consolidation, but you hate to see it happen in your area's media.  Having more diversity in your sources of information and entertainment is usually a good thing.  Let's wish the employees that are displaced by this acquisition the best, hope that Synergy Media can improve the product, and hope that other area radio stations can maintain their independence.  After all, let us not forget the acquisition of the Daily News by an out of state media conglomerate led to the creation of the media outlet that broke this story.

[AQUAMAN]

Karl L. Ashbacker, a local of yesteryear with money and creative mind, created the WKLA station for the locals enjoyment and information center on air. With all this monopoly like activities of radio stations ownership, I just wonder what old Karl would think and say if he were alive today. HUMBUG comes to mind first....lol.

[XLFD]

Fear not, Aquaman, Todd Mohr head of the new local megamedia merger said in yesterday's LDN:  "The consolidation of Synergy Broadcast Group and Lake Michigan Broadcasting will allow for a more streamlined operation and result in improved programming and client services for Manistee, Lake, and Oceana counties."

And I'm sure it will from his viewpoint.  I see it as Mohr for less.  With the cut in personnel and lack of any clear improvements, it's all lip service.  Monopolies in media are extra troublesome, and I can't think of an argument for how this is a plus for the public at large. 

[AQUAMAN]

I fail to see the financial advantages of having a total of 7 radio stations in a small advertising area of limited dollars available such as Ludington/Pentwater/Manistee. I foresee them closing a few, just to clean up the corporate mess, and be profitable in this area. There isn't enough advertising dollars for all to be profitable imho, but I do like the chance for more diverse local radio listening available with good reception. Time will tell.