Midwest Family buys Ozark Mountain's 92.9

by Melissa Wilson

SBJ Staff

Country music fans who listened to KCYO Coyote Country 92.9 FM had to begin getting their Garth or Shania fix elsewhere on the dial Oct. 1, when Ozark Mountain Broadcasting turned the station over to Midwest Family Broadcast Group, owner of KKLH 104.7 FM Classic Hits and KOSP Oldies 105.1 FM in Springfield, and 102.9 FM in Brookline.

The 50,000-watt radio station was purchased for $3 million by Midwest Family Broadcast Group, and its addition maxes out the company's holdings here under the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, according to President and General Manager Rex Hansen.

Now Magic 92.9, the station targets listeners ages 25 to 40 and plays current hits from artists such as Cher, Santana and Backstreet Boys, recent '90s hits from artists such as Gin Blossoms and Sheryl Crow, and late '80s and '90s titles from artists such as John Mellencamp, Bonnie Raitt and Bryan Adams.

"We had been approached by Ozark Mountain Broadcasting about a year ago about the station and had kept in touch with them about possibly buying it the whole time," Hansen said. "Things got serious about a month ago, and the closing should take place this year."

Hansen said Midwest Family Broadcast Group had been looking to purchase another station to reach its capacity under the Telecommunications Act. He added the sale of 92.9 FM was not a typical transaction because it involved no studios, only the station's tower, license and miscellaneous office equipment. Under Ozark Mountain Broadcasting's ownership, KCYO 92.9 FM had been only a satellite operation, formerly located at 1650 E. Battlefield.

Hansen said Midwest Family Broadcast Group hired a few of Ozark Mountain Broadcasting's employees, but it is now looking for a programming director and on-air talent. A morning show is also planned as part of the new format.

"We wanted to get the new station on the air as soon as possible, and we're now accepting applications for the new positions," Hansen said.

As a result of the purchase, Hansen said, a renovation is planned to Midwest Family Broadcast Group's studios at 319-B E. Battlefield. Representatives from Ozark Mountain Broadcasting declined to comment on the sale.