October 12, 2015
Philadelphia public radio station WXPN 88.5 FM is expanding its reach to northern New Jersey by purchasing a station owned by Centenary College in Hackettstown, Warren County.
The stations jointly announced Monday a $1.25 million sales agreement that enables WXPN to begin broadcasting its award-winning music programming on WNTI at noon Thursday.
WXPN, a member-supported station owned by the University of Pennsylvania, plays a wide variety of rock, blues, roots and folk music, aiming to introduce listeners to new artists. It produces World Cafe, a popular music program hosted by David Dye and syndicated by National Public Radio. World Cafe, heard twice daily on WNTI, will continue to be part of the station's programming.
By purchasing WNTI, also a public radio station supported by members, WXPN expands its scope north of its current coverage area, adding listeners in northern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania. WNTI says its coverage area reaches a population of more than 1 million people.
WXPN already broadcasts its programming on Pennsylvania stations located in the regions of Lancaster, York, Harrisburg and the Lehigh Valley. It also serves the Baltimore region through WKHS 90.5 FM.
General Manager Roger LaMay released a statement saying WXPN was not looking to purchase another radio station. Yet, upon notification of the sale, WXPN decided it held the best opportunity to preserve WNTI's music tradition.
"We will extend WXPN's demonstrated commitment to local artists, music and events in the communities we currently serve to the WNTI community, and will apply our deep experience in public music radio management to strengthen its overall operations," LaMay said. "In the long term, we expect this transaction to benefit our artists and audiences, and strengthen WXPN's financial sustainability."
In an email sent to WXPN listeners, LaMay said the station will pay for the acquisition through strategic investment funds from major donors and a loan from the University of Pennsylvania.
The $1.25 million sale includes another $500,000 in underwriting value over 10 years. The Federal Communications Commission is expected to approve the transfer of ownership 60 to 120 days after its filing.
Centenary College President Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite said the school will use sale proceeds to bolster its academic offerings and support student recruitment and retention.
