The broadcast group filed a waiver request regarding local limits to facilitate its acquisition of four radio stations from Mid-West Family Broadcasting. The proposed transaction includes Springfield, Missouri Sports-Talk station KOSP, known as “102.1 The Won,” along with three music brands.
In its filing, Zimmer Communications argues that relief from the ownership cap would not adversely affect competition in the Springfield market. The company notes that if the waiver is approved, its revenue share in the market would increase from 8.5 percent to 33.6 percent. This figure would remain below the 34.8 percent revenue share currently held by SummitMedia.
The filing also highlights that Zimmer would hold a 21.3 percent audience share, trailing iHeartMedia, which commands 22.3 percent. The company emphasizes that 18 different owners would continue to operate stations in the market following the transaction.
This petition represents another push by a regional operator for local station consolidation and sub-cap relief, challenging existing deregulation precedents as traditional broadcasters seek to compete with digital advertising platforms.
Source: FCC Filing