Schlesingers Purchase State College, Bellefonte Stations
LOCK HAVEN – Schlesinger Communications, Inc has extended its ownership footprint into Centre County, with the announced purchase of longstanding radio stations serving State College and Bellefonte, along with a Clinton County station serving Renovo.
Jeff Schlesinger, President and CEO, on Friday announced a sales agreement with Magnum Broadcasting, Inc for Quick Rock, WQCK, 105.9; WQKK, at 106.9, Renovo; and WBLF, Bellefonte, AM 970 and FM, 106.3. He said a sales accord was filed Thursday with the Federal Communications Commission. He said approval is anticipated within 45 days.
Schlesinger said the deal with Magnum was signed in mid-March, the same day that Gov. Tom Wolf announced a statewide lockdown due to the coronavirus. While he said there were those who told him, “You’re crazy,” he responded, “Opportunity doesn’t know a good time.” He termed the purchase “good timing.”
Acquisition of the four licenses comes a decade after the Schlesingers made their first broadcast purchase, WSQV and WBPZ in Lock Haven. As for the Centre County stations, he said the company will “maintain the same philosophy and approach to the community as we’ve done the last ten years.”
He noted the Quick Rock out of State College has been known for its classic rock for half a century. One change listeners will hear in western Clinton County is that WQKK in Renovo will be simulcasting the WSQV programming. The changeover, he said, would make WSQV the only station to cover all of Clinton County and beyond.
According to the filing with the FCC, the purchase price was $25,000 and the assumption of a note for Quick Rock and $350,000 for WBLF.
