A chapter of uncertainty has come to a close in Southwest Virginia radio.
Three Rivers Media Partners is regaining ownership of a trio of stations serving the Wytheville area after reaching a settlement agreement with Blue Ridge Media Partners.
The transaction follows a lengthy dispute tied to Blue Ridge’s acquisition of the stations in 2023. Court filings last year alleged that required payments connected to the purchase agreement had fallen behind, resulting in legal action between the two companies. The newly announced settlement resolves those issues and places the stations back under the control of Three Rivers Media Partners.
The agreement includes Classic Hits outlet Kool 95.3 WXBX, Oldies-formatted WLOY and its FM translator, as well as Country station WYVE and its associated translator facilities. The transaction also covers the transmitter properties connected to the stations.
Financially, the arrangement calls for a cash payment of $25,000 along with the cancellation of outstanding debt obligations tied to the original purchase structure.
While the ownership transfer is now being finalized, listeners may have already noticed changes behind the scenes. Programming operations shifted under a Time Brokerage Agreement that took effect when the settlement was reached in mid-May, allowing Three Rivers to resume operational control ahead of the formal completion of the transaction.
For the communities served by the stations, the agreement brings stability after months of uncertainty and ensures the familiar local brands will continue moving forward under ownership that knows the market well.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.