Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent organization of leading Christian radio networks K-LOVE and Air1, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Salem Media Group to add seven signals to the Ministry’s portfolio of radio stations.
The agreement, which requires approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will add or expand EMF programming in seven large markets across the United States: Atlanta, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Los Angeles, Portland, and Sacramento.
“As Salem has leaned into its talk and information programming, we are honored to carry the torch and keep Christian music flowing over these frequencies,” said Tom Stultz, EMF Interim CEO. “These strong stations expand our coverage area and help us deliver on our mission to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We feel it is an incredible opportunity to continue serving listeners with Christian music in these important markets.”
The signals included in the agreement are: KLTY-FM, Arlington, Texas; WFSH-FM, Athens, Georgia; WFHM-FM, Cleveland, Ohio; KFSH-FM, La Mirada, California; KKFS-FM, Lincoln, California; KBIQ-FM, Manitou Springs, Colorado; and KFIS-FM, Scappoose, Oregon.
Regarding the sale, Edward G. Atsinger, Salem’s executive chairman and co-founder said, “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. We could not be more delighted that the buyer is EMF. 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.”
If the FCC approves the acquisitions, EMF will plant Contemporary Christian Music network K-LOVE or sister network Air1 Worship Now on these signals according to market needs. In the meantime, the Ministry hopes to begin programming these stations through a local marketing agreement on February 1, 2025.
Currently, EMF reaches approximately 18 million listeners weekly, across its K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks. The Ministry has expanded to new audiences in recent months including the women’s event series Found Collective and college outreach series, Campus Nights. Both tours have events scheduled throughout 2025.
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