Business & Tech
SHU Takes Over Norwalk Radio Station Nov. 7
Cox Media Group has finalized the sale of WNLK-AM 1350, as well as Stamford radio station WSTC-AM 1400, to the university.
will take over Norwalk radio station WNLK-AM 1350, as well as Stamford radio station , starting Nov. 7, now that Cox Media Group has finalized the sale of the two radio stations to the university.
Regulatory approvals are expected in the first quarter of 2012, according to a company statement.
Sacred Heart University plans to hire additional staff to run the two stations in an effort increase local news coverage. The university already operates its own radio station, WSHU-FM, broadcast from its campus in Fairfield. The station won Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2010 and 2011 for its investigative reporting and has also won numerous state and regional awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists.
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“Cox Media Group greatly values the substantial service that the employees of WSTC/WNLKhave made to these stations and the service they’ve given our valued audience and clients in the Stamford/Norwalk market,” said Kristin Okesson, CMG Connecticut’s Market Manager, in the release. “CMG explored many options and chose Sacred Heart University because of their commitment to remain locally owned and operated, to support the Stamford/Norwalk community, and their ability to continue the great local coverage WSTC and WNLK have provided over the years.”
Cox Media Group will continue to operate 95.9 WFOX and STAR 99.9 WEZN, which both serve the local Stamford/Norwalk market, as well as 99.1 WPLR in New Haven.
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“As a public radio station, we consider ourselves to be a community resource, and we always look for ways to increase the service we provide our community,” said George Lombardi, SHU’s general manager. “We are thrilled about this new opportunity, as we can now serve Norwalk, Stamford and Greenwich with an expanded, more reliable broadcast signal than we ever had before and by bringing our award-winning local reporting, insightful news and talk, and programs. WSHU has been deeply rooted in Fairfield County for 30 years, and we look forward to expanding our services in lower Fairfield County."
WSTC and WNLK will be supported by local listeners and will not carry commercials, according to the release.
