In a significant shift in the Christian media landscape, Salem Media Group has announced the sale of its remaining Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) stations for a whopping $80 million. This move marks the end of an era for Salem’s beloved “Fish” brand, which has been a staple in Christian radio for many years.
The deal, which is pending regulatory approval, is set to transfer ownership of seven prominent stations to the Educational Media Foundation (EMF). These stations have long been associated with the “Fish” brand, known for its uplifting and faith-filled music. The stations included in this sale are WFSH in Atlanta, WFHM in Cleveland, KBIQ in Colorado Springs, KLTY in Dallas, KFSH in Los Angeles, KFIS in Portland, and KKFS in Sacramento.
Salem originally acquired these stations as part of its strategy to dominate the Christian radio scene with the “Fish” network. Over the years, this brand has played a pivotal role in introducing Contemporary Christian Music to broader audiences, blending positive tunes with messages of hope and faith. It’s hard to underestimate the impact that these stations have had in shaping the landscape of Christian music.
EMF, a powerhouse in Christian media, operates the widely popular K-LOVE and Air1 networks, reaching millions of listeners across the country. K-LOVE features mainstream Christian artists like Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin, while Air1 focuses on worship music, appealing primarily to a younger demographic. With this acquisition, EMF is set to expand its reach significantly, enhancing its presence in major markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
According to the National Audience Measurement Service, K-LOVE and Air1 together attract over 22 million weekly listeners, making them two of the largest Christian music networks in the United States. This sale to EMF not only ensures that these stations will continue to broadcast Christian music, but it also places them under the stewardship of a larger entity committed to quality Christian content.
Salem’s executive chairman, Edward G. Atsinger, shared insights into the decision behind the sale, emphasizing the strategic move to eliminate long-term debt and position the company for future growth. “We have made a strategic decision to exit the Contemporary Christian Music format in order to pay off all of Salem’s long-term debt,” he stated. Atsinger expressed confidence in EMF’s ability to carry on the legacy of these stations, highlighting their dedication to delivering high-quality Christian music.
In response, EMF Interim CEO Tom Stultz expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “These strong stations expand our coverage area and help us deliver on our mission to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” This partnership promises to keep the spirit of Christian music alive in these important markets.
While Salem Media Group will continue to operate its Christian Teaching and Talk, Conservative News Talk, and other formats across the country, this sale represents a significant shift in focus. Additionally, as part of the agreement, Salem has entered into a $10 million marketing partnership with EMF, set to begin in February.
As we witness this evolution in Christian media, it’s clear that the heart of the message remains the same: to spread the Gospel and uplift listeners through the power of music. The future looks bright for Christian radio, and we can only anticipate the wonderful ways that EMF will continue to enrich the lives of listeners across the nation.
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