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WWJK & WRXW Sold to EMF (November 2011)
November 4, 2011-
Jackson, Mississippi
Backyard Broadcasting first entered into Jackson,
Mississippi (Market 122) in July of 2002. Backyard Broadcasting has since
been operating WWJK, a 100,000 watt FM at over 1,100 feet. Additionally,
they have been operating WRXW 93.9 with a rock format. A new page now
turns a familiar verse where Backyard Broadcasting has agreed to sell both
FM stations to Educational Media Foundation (K-Love). Barry Drake,
president of Backyard, states, “While Backyard will miss being in Jackson,
we are pleased to see these stations go to the quality broadcasters of
Educational Media Foundation.” Other major group owners in this market
include Inner City Broadcasting and Clear Channel. Broker for the deal:
John Pierce & Company.
Williamsport Is Backyard Market of the Year (February 2011)
For the second time Williamsport has been named the Backyard Broadcasting Market of the Year for 2010. The market last won the award for 2007.
In presenting the staff and management with their award at a meeting of all personnel, Barry Drake, Backyard Broadcasting President and CEO praised the team for their terrific efforts and outstanding results.
“Surpassing the company’s financial targets is one measurement of achievement. Beyond that this group has delivered improved ratings and truly serves its market with innovative promotions, community projects, and local news and information,” Drake said.
Accepting the award was Dan Farr, Vice President and Market Manager who said, “It is a pleasure working with people as talented and dedicated as we have here in the Williamsport market. They are energetic, enthusiastic and have fun working together.”
The
Backyard Broadcasting Williamsport line up consists of WILQ-Country 105,
WZXR-the Home of Rock and Roll, WBZD-Oldiez 93, Talk Radio 1340-WWPA and
WLMY-MY 107.9 adult contemporary.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING SELLS
KSQB-AM TO CUP O' DIRT (February 2010)
| Cup O’Dirt buys a radio station in their
backyard. John and Heidi Small of Brandon and their Cup O’Dirt LLC
have agreed, subject to FCC approval, to purchase Backyard
Broadcasting’s KSQB-AM 1520 Sioux Falls. Barry Drake, President and CEO of Backyard Broadcasting, commented, "We are very happy to see this station go to dedicated local broadcasters.” John Small said, “I am excited about the many things we will be able to do to give back to our community in Brandon.” The name "Cup O' Dirt" comes from a routine by Brian Regan, John and Heidi's favorite comedian. |
BACKYARD BROADCASTING SELLS WURK TO EMF (OCTOBER 2009)
October 2, 2009: K-Love (Educational Media Foundation) buys a station in their backyard. After the purchase of WKLU in Indianapolis, IN last month, Barry Drake’s Backyard Broadcasting agrees to sell WURK 101.7 FM. WURK is licensed to Elwood, IN serving Muncie and Anderson, IN markets. The station was sold for $750,000.00.
Barry Drake, President and CEO of Backyard Broadcasting, commented, "Since improving the signal and broadening the coverage area of simulcast sister WERK, Backyard Broadcasting has been exploring options for the future of WURK. We are pleased to see this station go to the respected quality broadcasters of EMF."
Broker for the deal: John L. Pierce of John Pierce & Company LLC.
BACKYARD
BROADCASTING TO PURCHASE 3 STATION CLUSTER FROM FELLER BROADCASTING
(APRIL 2006)
April 2006: Sioux Falls, SD; Baltimore, MD. This
is to announce that a contract has been signed and an application is
being filed with the FCC for the transfer of radio stations KWSF-FM
(Flandreau), KSQB-FM (Dell Rapids) and KSQB-AM (Sioux Falls), all
serving the Sioux Falls, South Dakota market, from Feller Broadcasting,
LLC to Backyard Broadcasting South Dakota, LLC.
The Seller, Feller Broadcasting, is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based company, principally owned by Rob Feller. Feller Broadcasting has no other broadcast interests.
The Buyer, Backyard Broadcasting, owns twenty-seven other radio stations in Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Dakota. Backyard Broadcasting’s principle equity investors are Boston Ventures Management, Inc. and PCG Corporate Partners Fund.
KWSF-FM operates at 107.9 MHz, with 21 kW at 758 FT. HAAT.
KSQB-FM operates at 95.7 MHz, with 25 kW at 334 FT. HAAT.
KSQB-AM operates at 1520 kHZ, with 500 watts day.
KALIL & CO., INC. represented the Buyer in this transaction
GREG GUY OF PATRICK COMMUNICATIONS, LLC represented the Seller in this transaction.
The Seller, Feller Broadcasting, is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based company, principally owned by Rob Feller. Feller Broadcasting has no other broadcast interests.
The Buyer, Backyard Broadcasting, owns twenty-seven other radio stations in Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Dakota. Backyard Broadcasting’s principle equity investors are Boston Ventures Management, Inc. and PCG Corporate Partners Fund.
KWSF-FM operates at 107.9 MHz, with 21 kW at 758 FT. HAAT.
KSQB-FM operates at 95.7 MHz, with 25 kW at 334 FT. HAAT.
KSQB-AM operates at 1520 kHZ, with 500 watts day.
KALIL & CO., INC. represented the Buyer in this transaction
GREG GUY OF PATRICK COMMUNICATIONS, LLC represented the Seller in this transaction.
BACKYARD
BROADCASTING ACQUIRES 5-STATION CLUSTER FROM MIDCONTINENT
(September 2004)
(September 2004)
September 22, 2004: Sioux Falls, SD; Baltimore,
MD. Midcontinent Media, Inc. and Backyard Broadcasting announced today
that Backyard Broadcasting will purchase the assets of Midcontinent’s
five radio stations located in Sioux Falls, SD. The radio stations are
KELO-AM, KELO-FM, KRRO-FM, KTWB-FM and KWSN-AM. The transaction is
subject to customary FCC approval. Upon completion of this transaction,
Backyard will own and operate 27 stations in 6 markets. Backyard
Broadcasting’s principle equity investors are Boston Ventures
Management, Inc. and PCG Corporate Partners Fund.
Midcontinent Media, Inc. Chairman, Larry Bentson, said, “This sale to Backyard Broadcasting will encourage the continued growth of our stations and staff as part of an exciting national organization dedicated to radio broadcasting. We are pleased that they share our tradition of excellence in broadcasting and community service. We wish them every success.”
Backyard’s President and CEO, Barry Drake, is enthusiastic about the transaction. “We are thrilled to be entering Sioux Falls, the great growth market of the Midwest. The Midcontinent stations are the market’s finest technical facilities and heritage radio stations with an outstanding record of community service.” Drake added, “Backyard Broadcasting is committed to continuing the fine tradition of radio broadcasting that Midcontinent has established over the past 50 years.”
Backyard's existing equity investors both provided financing for the Midcontinent acquisition. Boston Ventures’ Operational Partner, Barry Baker, said, “We are extremely supportive of this acquisition. Midcontinent’s assets are a perfect fit in the Backyard portfolio.” Pacific Corporate Group CEO, Christopher Bower, added, "PCG is excited to have this opportunity to continue to finance Backyard Broadcasting's acquisition program."
The transaction was initiated by Kalil and Company, a Tucson, AZ, based broker.
About Boston Ventures:
Boston Ventures Management, Inc. (www.bostonventures.com) is a private equity firm that has been an active investor and financial partner to management teams in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors since 1983, earning the firm a franchise position in the private equity community. Boston Ventures' partners and principals are accomplished and experienced professionals who have a diverse and complementary range of skills and a broad network of domestic and international relationships. The existing Boston Ventures Fund VI Partnership has attracted leading U.S. institutions and individuals from 16 countries. Boston Ventures’ longstanding commitment to broadcasting has included investments in River City Broadcasting, News Corporation, Metromedia, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Saga Communications, Television Station Group Holdings and Backyard Broadcasting.
About PCG:
PCG Corporate Partners Fund (www.pcgfunds.com) is focused on providing private equity growth capital to established private and publicly traded companies. PCG specializes in developing customized non-control private equity solutions tailored to a company’s growth initiatives. The firm has a history of successful media investments, including investments in Comcast and Mediacom. Since 1993 PCG has made over $900 million of private equity growth capital investments in transactions across a wide range of industries.
For More Information Contact:
Mr. Barry Drake
President and CEO
Backyard Broadcasting
(410) 580-5888
Mr. W. Tom Simmons
Vice President – Public Policy
Midcontinent Communications
(605) 357-5491
Midcontinent Media, Inc. Chairman, Larry Bentson, said, “This sale to Backyard Broadcasting will encourage the continued growth of our stations and staff as part of an exciting national organization dedicated to radio broadcasting. We are pleased that they share our tradition of excellence in broadcasting and community service. We wish them every success.”
Backyard’s President and CEO, Barry Drake, is enthusiastic about the transaction. “We are thrilled to be entering Sioux Falls, the great growth market of the Midwest. The Midcontinent stations are the market’s finest technical facilities and heritage radio stations with an outstanding record of community service.” Drake added, “Backyard Broadcasting is committed to continuing the fine tradition of radio broadcasting that Midcontinent has established over the past 50 years.”
Backyard's existing equity investors both provided financing for the Midcontinent acquisition. Boston Ventures’ Operational Partner, Barry Baker, said, “We are extremely supportive of this acquisition. Midcontinent’s assets are a perfect fit in the Backyard portfolio.” Pacific Corporate Group CEO, Christopher Bower, added, "PCG is excited to have this opportunity to continue to finance Backyard Broadcasting's acquisition program."
The transaction was initiated by Kalil and Company, a Tucson, AZ, based broker.
About Boston Ventures:
Boston Ventures Management, Inc. (www.bostonventures.com) is a private equity firm that has been an active investor and financial partner to management teams in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors since 1983, earning the firm a franchise position in the private equity community. Boston Ventures' partners and principals are accomplished and experienced professionals who have a diverse and complementary range of skills and a broad network of domestic and international relationships. The existing Boston Ventures Fund VI Partnership has attracted leading U.S. institutions and individuals from 16 countries. Boston Ventures’ longstanding commitment to broadcasting has included investments in River City Broadcasting, News Corporation, Metromedia, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Saga Communications, Television Station Group Holdings and Backyard Broadcasting.
About PCG:
PCG Corporate Partners Fund (www.pcgfunds.com) is focused on providing private equity growth capital to established private and publicly traded companies. PCG specializes in developing customized non-control private equity solutions tailored to a company’s growth initiatives. The firm has a history of successful media investments, including investments in Comcast and Mediacom. Since 1993 PCG has made over $900 million of private equity growth capital investments in transactions across a wide range of industries.
For More Information Contact:
Mr. Barry Drake
President and CEO
Backyard Broadcasting
(410) 580-5888
Mr. W. Tom Simmons
Vice President – Public Policy
Midcontinent Communications
(605) 357-5491
PACIFIC CORPORATE
GROUP COMMITS UP TO $20 MILLION TO BACKYARD BROADCASTING (January 2004)
Baltimore, Maryland: Backyard Broadcasting
announced today that PCG Corporate Partners Fund ("PCG"), invested $10
million of new equity into the Company and committed to invest an
additional $10 million. The new equity capital will better position the
Company for anticipated growth through future acquisitions. Currently,
Backyard owns and operates twenty-two stations in five radio markets
(markets 50+).
"We are excited about having PCG as a partner. PCG has a history of successful media investments and is an ideal complement to our existing partner, Boston Ventures. This investment will provide Backyard with additional capital to expand our existing platform of radio stations by opportunistically pursuing acquisitions in our target markets," said Backyard CEO, Barry Drake.
Chris Bower, Chief Executive Officer of PCG, said, "We are pleased to be partnering with Backyard to capitalize on the opportunity to build a leading small market radio platform. Barry Drake and Robin Smith have an extensive track record of success in building and operating radio businesses. We believe that we are investing in the leading management team in the small market radio sector. This investment is an opportunity to back experienced and seasoned operators in an attractive, growth industry."
Boston Ventures’ Operational Partner, Barry Baker, said, "we continue to be enthusiastic about radio and the growth potential of Backyard Broadcasting and believe that partnering with PCG will enhance our ability to capitalize on this opportunity."
Backyard Broadcasting was formed in July 2002 to pursue the opportunity for consolidation in target radio markets. The company was formed as a partnership between Barry Drake, former CEO/Radio and TV of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Boston Ventures, a leading investor in the radio broadcast industry. Since its inception Backyard has acquired twenty-two stations in five radio markets: Jackson, MS; Williamsport, PA; Elmira, NY; Olean, NY; and Muncie, IN.
PCG Corporate Partners Fund is focused on providing private equity growth capital to established private and publicly traded middle market companies. PCG specializes in developing customized non-control private equity solutions tailored to a company’s growth initiatives. The firm has a history of successful media investments, including investments in Comcast and Mediacom. Since 1993 PCG has made over $870 million of private equity growth capital investments in transactions across a wide range of industries.
For More Information Contact:
Monte Brem
Managing Director
PCG Corporate Partners Fund
(858) 456-6000
Robin Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Backyard Broadcasting
(410) 580-5888
"We are excited about having PCG as a partner. PCG has a history of successful media investments and is an ideal complement to our existing partner, Boston Ventures. This investment will provide Backyard with additional capital to expand our existing platform of radio stations by opportunistically pursuing acquisitions in our target markets," said Backyard CEO, Barry Drake.
Chris Bower, Chief Executive Officer of PCG, said, "We are pleased to be partnering with Backyard to capitalize on the opportunity to build a leading small market radio platform. Barry Drake and Robin Smith have an extensive track record of success in building and operating radio businesses. We believe that we are investing in the leading management team in the small market radio sector. This investment is an opportunity to back experienced and seasoned operators in an attractive, growth industry."
Boston Ventures’ Operational Partner, Barry Baker, said, "we continue to be enthusiastic about radio and the growth potential of Backyard Broadcasting and believe that partnering with PCG will enhance our ability to capitalize on this opportunity."
Backyard Broadcasting was formed in July 2002 to pursue the opportunity for consolidation in target radio markets. The company was formed as a partnership between Barry Drake, former CEO/Radio and TV of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Boston Ventures, a leading investor in the radio broadcast industry. Since its inception Backyard has acquired twenty-two stations in five radio markets: Jackson, MS; Williamsport, PA; Elmira, NY; Olean, NY; and Muncie, IN.
PCG Corporate Partners Fund is focused on providing private equity growth capital to established private and publicly traded middle market companies. PCG specializes in developing customized non-control private equity solutions tailored to a company’s growth initiatives. The firm has a history of successful media investments, including investments in Comcast and Mediacom. Since 1993 PCG has made over $870 million of private equity growth capital investments in transactions across a wide range of industries.
For More Information Contact:
Monte Brem
Managing Director
PCG Corporate Partners Fund
(858) 456-6000
Robin Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Backyard Broadcasting
(410) 580-5888
Backyard
Broadcasting Debuts (April 2002)
Backyard Broadcasting has entered into an
agreement to purchase WTYX and WVIV in Jackson, MS from Proteus
Investments. This marks Backyard Broadcasting’s entry into radio
ownership. Proteus is headed by Mike McRee and this is his only
broadcast holding.
Barry Drake, Backyard Broadcasting President/CEO said, “at a time when media companies are expending huge energy to develop national networks, concentration of programming, and global brands, we are devoted to delivering local content to our listeners and tangible results for our local advertisers. I have always liked the Jackson market and WTYX and WVIV present us with an outstanding opportunity to get our company off the ground.” Drake’s thirty years in the business include station management, on air work, programming, local and national sales. He was CEO of the television and radio divisions of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and President of Keymarket Communications.
“It is wonderful to turn over the ownership of these two radio stations to a seasoned leader with a proven track record,” said Mike McRee of Proteus Investments.
Backyard Broadcasting’s equity partner is Boston Ventures Management, Inc. a private equity firm that has been an active investor and financial partner to management teams in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors since 1983, earning the firm a franchise position in the private equity community. Boston Ventures’ longstanding commitment to broadcasting has included investments in River City Broadcasting, News Corporation, Metromedia, SJL Northeast, and Saga Communications.
Boston Ventures’ Managing Director/Venture Partner Barry Baker is no stranger to the business. Before joining Boston Ventures, Baker was President/COO of USA Networks, CEO Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Founder/CEO of River City Broadcasting. “I have known Barry Drake for 20 years,” Baker said, “he is experienced in every phase of the broadcast industry and has the entrepreneurial skills to add tremendous value. We are committed to radio and excited about the launch and future of Backyard Broadcasting.”
Frank Higney of Kalil and Company brokered the transaction.
Backyard Broadcasting is based in Jacksonville, FL.
For more information 904-674-0260.
Barry Drake, Backyard Broadcasting President/CEO said, “at a time when media companies are expending huge energy to develop national networks, concentration of programming, and global brands, we are devoted to delivering local content to our listeners and tangible results for our local advertisers. I have always liked the Jackson market and WTYX and WVIV present us with an outstanding opportunity to get our company off the ground.” Drake’s thirty years in the business include station management, on air work, programming, local and national sales. He was CEO of the television and radio divisions of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and President of Keymarket Communications.
“It is wonderful to turn over the ownership of these two radio stations to a seasoned leader with a proven track record,” said Mike McRee of Proteus Investments.
Backyard Broadcasting’s equity partner is Boston Ventures Management, Inc. a private equity firm that has been an active investor and financial partner to management teams in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors since 1983, earning the firm a franchise position in the private equity community. Boston Ventures’ longstanding commitment to broadcasting has included investments in River City Broadcasting, News Corporation, Metromedia, SJL Northeast, and Saga Communications.
Boston Ventures’ Managing Director/Venture Partner Barry Baker is no stranger to the business. Before joining Boston Ventures, Baker was President/COO of USA Networks, CEO Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Founder/CEO of River City Broadcasting. “I have known Barry Drake for 20 years,” Baker said, “he is experienced in every phase of the broadcast industry and has the entrepreneurial skills to add tremendous value. We are committed to radio and excited about the launch and future of Backyard Broadcasting.”
Frank Higney of Kalil and Company brokered the transaction.
Backyard Broadcasting is based in Jacksonville, FL.
For more information 904-674-0260.
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Backyard Broadcasting is an EOE