ATLANTA — A longtime Atlanta radio program is set to turn its dials down to zero come February.
Contemporary Christian station “The Fish” on WFSH-FM is being sold, along with its fellow radio stations owned by Contemporary Chrisitan Music, to Educational Media Foundation.
Current owners Salem Media Group said the agreement they entered with EMF, which owns two of the largest Christian music radio networks in the United States, ended with an $80 million sale.
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The sale of The Fish and its fellow stations is part of a larger set of transactions, which the company said was meant to strengthen its balance sheet and repay nearly $160 million in long-term debt. The radio stations in the group will go offline on Feb. 1, 2025.
For the company talent in Atlanta, the sale was accompanied by heavy hearts mixed with gratitude for a long, fun journey.
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The Fish hosts of the Kevin and Taylor Show on 104.7, Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott, released a joint statement on their social media accounts saying:
“It’s with heavy hearts that we tell you that our time on the Fish is coming to a close on January 31st. We are so incredibly honored that we had the privilege of bringing you “Good, Clean, Fun” and doing life with you for 24 years. So many times at radio events, we would meet those of you who grew up listening, and now you have children of your own. That’s so rare in radio, and we are so grateful! Every day you inspired us with the stories of your lives, to love God and love people better.
Thank you for being there as Kevin kids and Taylor’s nieces and nephews grew up, as we both lost parents for the first time, as Griff got married and became a dad. You, our listeners have been our biggest inspiration. We’re so grateful for our management who gave us a job most people only dream of. We also want to say a huge thank you to the incredible companies who made this journey possible. We loved helping you grow your businesses. We will miss you greatly! We are excited to see what opportunity God has for us next. And if you see us at the grocery store or at a Braves or Atlanta United game, please come say hi. We love you!”
According to the company’s release, the sale was part of a “strategic decision to exit the Contemporary Christian Music format” and pay off the entirety of the Salem Media Group’s long-term company debt.
“Upon the closing of these three transactions, we will have transformed and significantly improved Salem’s balance sheet and capital structure. With the exception of its revolving line of credit, Salem will have no outstanding debt. Salem will also have the benefit of working with an important new strategic investor that is expected to bring significant new opportunities to the company as well as offer incredible expertise in the area of digital media.” David Santrella, Salem CEO, said in a statement. “As a result of these transactions, our ability to service our national ministry partners and listeners with the important content provided by Salem has been greatly enhanced.”
Company officials said the sale to EMF was also “delightful.”
“EMF has demonstrated over many years a unique ability and dedication to creating and distributing the highest quality Christian music content to its listeners in a positive and encouraging way. I am confident that their impact on listeners and their communities will be incredibly effective,” Executive Chairman and Salem co-founder Edward G. Atsinger said.
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