Photo Credit: WFSH-FM “The Fish”
A longtime Atlanta Christian radio station is shutting down at the end of the month, following its sale by Salem Media Group.
Contemporary Christian radio station WFSH-FM, “The Fish,” a longtime program in Atlanta, is shutting down at the beginning of February. The station is being sold, along with its sister contemporary Christian stations owned by Salem Media Group, to Educational Media Foundation (EMF).
According to Salem, the agreement with EMF resulted in the $80 million sale of its seven remaining Christian music stations. The sale of these stations is part of a larger series of transactions by Salem in order to repay its $160 million long-term debt.
The Fish hosts Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott released a joint statement on their social media channels sharing the news. “It’s with heavy hearts that we tell you that our time on the Fish is coming to a close on January 31,” the statement begins. “We are so incredibly honored that we had the privilege of bringing you ‘Good, Clean, Fun’ and doing life with you for 24 years.”
Salem announced the sale was part of a “strategic decision to exit the contemporary Christian music format” and pay off the entirety of the company’s long-term debt.
“Upon the closing of these three transactions, we will have transformed and significantly improved Salem’s balance sheet and capital structure. With the exception of its revolving line of credit, Salem will have no outstanding debt,” said Salem CEO David Santrella in a statement.
“Salem will also have the benefit of working with an important new strategic investor that is expected to bring significant new opportunities to the company, as well as offer incredible expertise in the area of digital media. As a result of these transactions, our ability to service our national ministry partners and listeners with the important content provided by Salem has been greatly enhanced.”
Salem co-founder and executive chairman Edward G. Atsinger added, “EMF has demonstrated over many years a unique ability and dedication to creating and distributing the highest quality Christian music content to its listeners in a positive and encouraging way.”
EMF is best known for owning two of the largest Christian music radio stations in the United States, K-LOVE and Air1. The company owns and operates over 1,000 signals across all 50 states.