Zimmer Communications, Mid-West Family announce local merger

Zimmer Communications and Mid-West Family media companies announced this morning that they are combining their Springfield radio operations. Terms of the deal, which is pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission, were undisclosed.

Officials with Zimmer and Mid-West Family said in a news release that the merger would create one of the region’s strongest locally owned multimedia organizations.

Mid-West Family, which has owned properties in the Springfield-area broadcast market for some 35 years, according to the release, will merge several Springfield operations into Zimmer if the FCC approves the deal, officials said.

Those properties include KKLH (104.7 The Cave), KOMG (105.1 The Bull), KOSP (102.1 The Won) and KQRA (Q92.9 Springfield’s Rock Station), along with the Around the Ozarks multimedia brand.

Zimmer currently owns and operates several greater Springfield media properties: KTXR (98.7 The Dove), KWTO-AM (960-AM, 93.3 FM News/Talk), KWTO-FM (101.3 Real Country), KZMO (93.7 The Stage) and KBFL (1060-AM, 96.9-FM The Jock).

Zimmer officials said in the release that upon federal approval, the company will manage nine “heritage” radio stations, significantly expanding the company’s ability to provide local news, entertainment, digital marketing and advertising solutions across southwest Missouri.

"This is an exciting opportunity to bring together two organizations that share the same values and a deep commitment to local broadcasting," said John Zimmer, Zimmer Communications president, in the release. "Both companies have built their reputations by serving local businesses, supporting our communities and investing in exceptional employees.”

Both companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction receives FCC approval, officials said in the release. Approval is anticipated by the end of this year.