Curtis Media Acquires Five Radio Stations in Coastal North Carolina for $1.75M

Why It Matters

The acquisition strengthens Curtis Media’s market reach along the coast, positioning it to capture more local advertising dollars and deepen its influence in a competitive regional radio landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Curtis Media pays $1.75 million for five stations and two translators.
• Acquisition adds 100 kW WRMR‑FM and four other signals in Cape Fear.
• Curtis Media now operates 30 full‑power stations across North Carolina.
• Capitol Broadcasting retains its Triangle market FM/AM and TV properties.
• Transaction brokered by Kalil & Co., signaling active regional radio deals.

Pulse Analysis

Radio consolidation continues to reshape the U.S. broadcast landscape, and Curtis Media’s latest acquisition underscores that momentum in the Southeast. By adding five stations and two translators for $1.75 million, the Raleigh‑based group extends its signal portfolio into the Cape Fear market, a region with a growing population and a robust tourism economy. The purchase aligns with Curtis Media’s broader strategy of building a dense network of full‑power stations and translators, enabling more efficient content distribution and stronger bargaining power with national advertisers seeking regional reach.

The newly acquired assets—most notably the 100 kW WRMR‑FM in Jacksonville—provide a powerful platform for both music programming and local news, complementing existing Curtis stations in the Wilmington corridor. With the addition of 630 kW WMFD‑AM and several FM translators, the company can offer advertisers a multi‑frequency package that covers both urban and suburban listeners. This synergy is likely to boost advertising revenue, especially as local businesses increasingly allocate budgets toward hyper‑targeted radio spots that complement digital campaigns.

Meanwhile, Capitol Broadcasting’s decision to retain its Triangle‑area FM, AM and television holdings suggests a strategic refocus on its core markets. The divestiture frees capital for potential investments in digital media or content innovation, while the FCC’s continued approval of such transactions signals a regulatory environment that tolerates market consolidation when it does not threaten competition. As the radio industry adapts to streaming competition, deals like this illustrate how traditional broadcasters are consolidating assets to maintain relevance and profitability.

Deal Summary

Curtis Media Group announced the acquisition of five radio stations, including four FM and one AM, plus two translators, from Capitol Broadcasting Company’s Sunrise Broadcasting for $1.75 million. The deal expands Curtis Media’s presence in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina. The transaction was reported in FCC records and is expected to close soon.