Beloved Christian Radio Station Faces Sudden Shutdown—Here’s What Happened
Contemporary Christian radio station “The Fish,” 104.7, is set to go off the air in February. The Atlanta station is shutting down after being sold to the Educational Media Foundation, which owns K-LOVE and Air1.
The station’s current owners, Salem Media Group, said the agreement with EMF is part of a larger set of transactions to “strengthen its balance sheet and repay nearly $160 million in long-term debt,” WSB-TV reported.
Radio station hosts Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott released a joint statement on the matter.
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“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,” the statement read. “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’s 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!”
Salem CEO David Santrella said the transactions 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.” He added, “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.”
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The company’s executive chairman and co-founder, Edward Atsinger, said the sale was made as a “strategic decision to exit the Contemporary Christian Music format in order to pay off all of Salem’s long-term debt.”
This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.
