MARC Radio Group is expanding its footprint across Florida’s Atlantic coast through a $2.073 million acquisition of three FM stations from Cumulus Media, according to company filings. The transaction adds CHR “A-1-A 107.1” WAOA and country “102.7 The HitKicker” WHKR in the Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa market, alongside classic rock “95.9 The Rocket” WROK in the Fort Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach market.
Broadening Regional Coverage in Central Florida
The deal increases MARC Media Group’s total portfolio to 22 radio stations. MARC Chief Operating Officer Scott Miller stated that the additions align with the company’s objective to build comprehensive regional coverage along the Florida peninsula. “As planned, our signals now pretty much cover a majority of the central Florida peninsula,” Miller said, according to company statements. Pending regulatory clearance from the Federal Communications Commission, MARC is operating the newly acquired stations under a local marketing agreement.
Pro Tip: Broadcasters evaluating regional cluster expansions often utilize local marketing agreements to transition operations smoothly while awaiting final federal authorization.
Cumulus Media Market Exits and Asset Realignment
With this transaction, Cumulus Media fully exits both the Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa and Fort Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach markets. Simultaneously, Cumulus has closed two separate divestitures. Radio Training Network acquired stations across multiple markets for $2.45 million, including country outlet “Nash Icon 93.3” WWFF in Huntsville, Alabama, and WQPD in Florence, South Carolina, plus an Atlanta-licensed translator. Additionally, Family Life Ministries finalized a $2.25 million purchase of WWKL in Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and WLLF in Youngstown-Warren, Ohio-Pennsylvania, according to transaction disclosures.
Investment Plans for Acquired FMs
MARC Radio Group intends to commit capital to grow audience shares across the newly acquired Brevard County signals. “MARC intends to provide each station with the tools needed to grow those audiences even further,” Miller noted. The company previously expanded its presence in February by acquiring nine stations spanning the Atlantic I-95 corridor and the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, utilizing a fine-tuned operational formula focused on regional profitability.
Did You Know? MARC’s existing Melbourne cluster includes classic hits “98.5 The Beach” WSBH and country WIXC, while its Fort Pierce cluster features AC WGYL, adult hits “99.7 Jack FM” WJKD, soft AC “97.1 The Ocean” WOSN, country “B-94.7” WPHR, and “News Talk 1490” WTTB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stations are included in MARC Radio Group’s latest purchase?
The $2.073 million acquisition includes WAOA (107.1 FM) and WHKR (102.7 FM) in the Melbourne market, plus WROK (95.9 FM) in the Fort Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach market, purchased from Cumulus Media.
What is the current size of MARC Media Group’s portfolio?
Following the integration of these three signals, MARC Media Group’s portfolio totals 22 radio stations distributed across central Florida.
Is the transaction finalized?
The deal remains subject to Federal Communications Commission approval and customary closing conditions, with MARC currently operating the stations under a local marketing agreement.
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