98.3 Portsmouth Changes Format, Calls

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Mr. Jones
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98.3 Portsmouth Changes Format, Calls

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https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2155 ... nds-grace/
Fowler Media Partners has flipped Classic Country “98.3 The Coyote” WFHT Garrison KY/Portsmouth OH to Southern Gospel “Grace-FM 98.3” WZGR.

WZGR is the third set of call letters for the station this year after it switched from WPAY-FM to WFHT in July. The new format will feature Southern Gospel music programming from 12am to 7pm weekdays and all day on weekends. A block of preachers will air weeknights from 7pm to 12am.

The station is planning to operate with a hybrid revenue system stating that it intends to gain 60% of its annual budget through traditional advertising. 30% will come from monthly donors and twice annual fundraisers. The final 10% of income will come from local church support.
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Re: 98.3 Portsmouth Changes Format, Calls

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And now, they've changed AGAIN.

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2189 ... ips-again/

https://www.sciotocountydailynews.com/p ... all-signs/
Not even two months after flipping from Classic Country to Southern Gospel, Fowler Media Partners has once again flipped its 98.3 WZGR Garrison KY/Portsmouth OH.

The station dropped its “98.3 Grace-FM” brand for Hot AC “98.3 Hot-FM” last week. The station will return to the WFHT call letters it held from July to October 2021 in preparation of previously planning to launch this new identity. The station’s programming comes from Local Radio Networks with a lineup featuring Penrod in mornings, Jeremy Robinson in middays, Amber Kuhl afternoons, and Todd Chambliss at night.

Owner Bryan Fowler told the Scioto County Daily News, “It was time for a change. The Station was Country WPAY when we purchased it and while it has done fairly well in the ratings we have felt like for some time there was a hole for modern new music in Portsmouth-in other words, there is a Country Radio Station on every corner of the Tri-State that bleeds into Scioto County and the overall most listened to radio station in Scioto County is actually in Huntington-93.7 The Dawg. Additionally, we wanted to do something that complimented the great job our peers at Hometown Broadcasting are doing and not divest their Variety/Adult Hits and Classic Rock Formats. There is a need and room for all of us. Diversity is good for the Market”.
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Re: 98.3 Portsmouth Changes Format, Calls

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Yet another change.

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2402 ... ek-of-9-2/
In a deal not yet filed with the FCC, Strong Tower Christian Media will acquire CHR “98.3 Hot-FM” WIRO Garrison KY/Portsmouth OH from Fowler Media Partners for an undisclosed amount. The buyers own two stations in the Dayton OH market and are also acquiring a translator in Zanesville OH (see below).

Fowler Media Partners, LLC of Ohio has announced the sale of WIRO-FM (Garrison-Portsmouth, Ohio) to Strong Tower Christian Media of Xenia, Ohio.

The Sale which is pending final FCC Approval will return the frequency to its original purpose as a non-commercial license and Christian Format.

Presently, Strong Tower Christian media owns and operates 50,000 watt Hope 100.7 WEEC Springfield/Dayton and 50,000 watt 93.7 The Light WFCJ Miamisburg /Dayton and Greater Cincinnati.

“Strong Tower Christian Media is excited about coming to the tri-state area with our Southern Gospel Hits format. This is an answer to prayer as we’ve been asking God to expand our territory for His glory! This is a new market for us and we’re beyond thrilled about reaching new listeners”, says Tracy Figley, President of Strong Tower.

Strong Tower will begin operating the station through an LMA in the coming weeks.

“Strong Tower Christian Radio Stations are solid, well programmed and their group is humble. I have no problem saying one of my best accomplishments for this station is placing it in the hands of Strong Tower and we cannot wait to celebrate their success and see what God does through this frequency. I love their mission, vision and their Team”, said Bryan Fowler of Fowler Media Partners.

Bryan Fowler represented Fowler Media Partners, LLC in this transaction and Tracy Figley represented Strong Tower Christian Media.
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