WARRENTON — A deal is pending on the sale of New Northwest Broadcasters (NNB) five local radio stations in Warrenton to NNB’s chief executive Trilla Bumstead’s Ohana Media Group.
The deal is pending the approval of a request which is in the process of being filed with the Federal Communications Commission, which will review the application and take public comment.
“I started Ohana Media Group for the purpose of acquiring and running radio stations and this is our first acquisition,” said Bumstead, who could not disclose what the sale amount was because of the pending FCC filing.
“I’ll still continue as the CEO of NNB until all sales are closed, so I will be wearing two hats for an interim amount of time until all of the assets are sold and wrapped up. I think we do a great job there locally and I’ve been in radio for 12 years and am committed to the radio and the listeners.”
NNB, based in Seattle, owns local stations MY 99.7 FM, KKEE 1230 AM, KCRX 102.3 FM, KVAS 103.9 FM, and KAST 1370 AM.
Additionally, the sale would also include four radio stations in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Ohana Media Group.
Bumstead said to expect more local content and local influence integration as the station grows. Listeners can also expect “great things” once the sale is final and the new ownership is under way.
NNB has been in voluntary receivership status since May, meaning that the courts supervise the restructuring of the company as it pays its debts. Alan Davis of the Seattle-based firm Revitalization Partners was named the receiver.
“The receivership began May 17 and the goal and the point of that was the assignment for the benefit of the creditors so it was Alan’s job to look over the company and yield the highest return and that could have meant to recapitalize it, sell it as a whole, basically whatever he sees fit,” Bumstead said.
“For us, it was best to continue to run it because that’s what gives it value. We knew we’d see changes, probably in ownership, eventually because at some point you have to close the status. I’m really excited. NNB has really weathered a lot this year and they’ve done terrific. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”
Bumstead also added that some new positions, including morning host and program director, will be opening up with the station in the future.
