The Federal Communications Commission is currently reviewing a proposed $20 million acquisition of six St. Louis-area radio stations by Hoffmann Media Group. According to federal filings, the deal includes flagship talk stations KMOX and KFTK, as well as several music-formatted outlets, marking the first foray into broadcast media for billionaire entrepreneur David Hoffmann, who also holds a majority stake in Lee Enterprises, the parent company of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Scope of the Hoffmann Radio Acquisition
Hoffmann Media Group has formally moved to purchase six prominent radio assets from Audacy, a New York-based national broadcaster. The portfolio slated for acquisition includes talk radio staples KMOX (104.1 FM, 1120 AM) and KFTK (97.1 FM). Music listeners in the region would also see a shift in ownership for adult contemporary stations KEZK (102.5 FM), WFUN (96.3 FM), and KYKY (Y98.1 FM), alongside the hip-hop/R&B station WHHL (98.7 FM).
Did you know? KMOX serves as the primary radio home for major local sports franchises, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis University men’s basketball team, while KYKY holds the broadcast rights for St. Louis City SC soccer matches.
Strategic Consolidation of Print and Broadcast Media
David Hoffmann, who became the majority shareholder of Lee Enterprises last winter, views the radio acquisition as a way to build a “scaled, multi-platform network.” In a public statement, Hoffmann emphasized that the goal is to combine print, digital, and broadcast capabilities to deliver journalism and community connection. He categorized talk radio as a “natural extension” of his existing media vision and a catalyst for long-term growth.
Market Comparisons and Industry Trends
The $20 million price tag for this six-station package offers a distinct point of comparison to recent regional media sales. For instance, the community radio station KDHX 88.1 was sold for nearly $9 million last year to the Christian broadcaster Gateway Creative Media, which operates JOY FM 99.1.
This consolidation trend follows broader shifts in the St. Louis media landscape. In March, the FCC approved a $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna. While that deal aims to bring the local television station KSDK under the same corporate umbrella as KPLR and KTVI, the merger remains tied up in litigation after a judge halted the proceedings due to an antitrust lawsuit.
Pro Tip: When analyzing local media consolidation, look at the FCC’s public filing database. It provides the most accurate, verified data on ownership changes before they are finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is purchasing the radio stations?
Hoffmann Media Group, led by David Hoffmann, has filed to acquire the stations from Audacy. - Which stations are included in the deal?
The deal includes KMOX, KFTK, KEZK, WFUN, KYKY, and WHHL. - What is the current status of the acquisition?
The sale is currently under review by the Federal Communications Commission. - Does David Hoffmann own other media outlets?
Yes, he is the majority shareholder of Lee Enterprises, which owns the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a portfolio of 154 newspapers.
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