The southeastern Christian radio landscape is about to look very different.
Radio Training Network is making another aggressive growth move after striking a deal to acquire three signals from Cumulus Media for approximately $2.45 million, further strengthening RTN’s already expanding footprint across the South.
The acquisition includes Atlanta translator 97.9 W250BC, Huntsville-area Classic Country outlet WWFF-FM, and Florence/Myrtle Beach-area Sports station WWFN-FM.
Industry observers expect the Alabama and Georgia properties to become part of RTN’s rapidly growing “The Joy FM” network, while the South Carolina signal appears positioned to strengthen the company’s “His Radio” brand throughout the Carolinas.
And in Atlanta, the move could significantly improve RTN’s metro presence.
The 97.9 translator currently carries the “OG 97.9” classic hip-hop format via HD multicast from WWWQ, but programming shifts are already underway ahead of the transaction. The format has reportedly begun transitioning to alternate Cumulus HD channels as RTN prepares for takeover operations.
The Atlanta portion of the deal also includes a long-term lease agreement involving HD subchannel capacity on 101.5 WKHX-HD2, creating a stronger technical path into metro Atlanta for RTN programming. That matters because RTN’s existing Atlanta-area coverage from rimshot signal 93.3 WVFJ-FM has faced signal challenges since a tornado destroyed and forced reconstruction of its transmission facilities in 2023.
For RTN, this isn’t simply another station purchase.
It’s another major chess move.
The organization has steadily become one of the most aggressive Christian broadcasters in America, continuing to expand “The Joy FM” and “His Radio” brands across multiple southeastern states while many commercial operators continue trimming expenses and consolidating operations.
Meanwhile, for Cumulus Media, the transaction reflects the ongoing reshaping of portfolio priorities happening across the radio industry as broadcasters continue balancing debt, operational efficiency, and evolving audience habits in an increasingly digital media environment.
And once these signals officially flip, listeners across Atlanta, Huntsville, Florence, and surrounding regions may soon hear something very different coming through their speakers.
Not sports.
Not classic country.
But a major new push in Christian AC broadcasting across the Southeast.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.