Citadel to sell Spokane stations

Radio giant Citadel Broadcasting Corp., which owns about 25 percent of Spokane’s radio stations, is leaving the city’s market, agreeing to sell its seven stations to a California-based operator.

Mapleton Communications of Los Angeles has agreed to acquire the stations, but it is waiting for Federal Communications Commission approval of the sale, which is expected in October.

“We love the market,” said Adam Nathanson, Mapleton’s president and CEO, adding that the city is a very attractive lifestyle market. “Spokane is one of the best places to live and one of the safest cities.”

Decisions about employment and format changes have not been discussed yet, said Nathanson, adding that he recognizes the current success of the stations.

“Spokane has some terrific brands,” said Nathanson, who has been following the market for a while. He points out the popularity of the country music station, “Cat Country” KDRK-FM (93.7) and “Bob”, KBBD-FM (103.9). KDRK-FM is the fifth-highest ranked station in Spokane, according to the most recent Arbitron numbers. KBBD-FM is listed as the 11th highest.

The other stations included in the sale are Nostalgia KEYF-AM (1050), Oldies KEYF-FM (101.1), The Big Talker KGA-AM (1510), The Fan KJRB-AM (790) and The Buzzard Real Rock KZBD-FM (105.7).

“We look forward to build upon what Citadel has already established,” said Nathanson.

Inquiries to program mangers at the stations were directed to Citadel corporate offices in Las Vegas and New York. However, phone calls to the company were not returned.

Citadel is the third largest radio group in the country, according to the company’s Web site. It reaches 50 markets with 177 FM stations and 66 AM stations.

Mapleton owns and operates 34 stations in eight markets in California and Oregon, according to the company’s Web site. It is California’s second-largest radio operator. Mapleton is making its first venture into the Washington market with the Spokane stations.

Nathanson said he is also excited about the growing market in Idaho, which many of the Spokane stations reach.

“We believe that radio can be a very important support tool for local businesses and charities,” said Nathanson, who will be visiting Spokane next week to meet with the stations.

Mapleton stations emphasize the “live and local” aspect of radio, which include a live DJ format and local promotions versus a national one, he said. The company operates five stations in the Monterey/Salinas area, which is a similar to the Spokane market in size. Their station there, KPIG, is an award-winning station, Nathanson said.