Saga Communications

Saga Communications is an American radio broadcasting and digital marketing company founded in 1986 and based in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

History

On April 21, 1986, it was announced that Josephson Communications Inc. would sell its six radio stations to Ed Christian (1944–2022)^[1] (who was the president of Josephson at the time) for $38.5 million;^[2][3] the sale was completed on September 29.^[4]

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Saga purchased radio stations around the United States, including from Joyner Broadcasting,^[5] Sunshine Group Broadcasting,^[6] and Daniel Menghini.^[7]

In December 1992, Saga became a publicly traded company.^[8]

Saga continued to purchase more stations, including from Buckley Broadcasting,^[9] and from Great American Broadcasting.^[10]

On June 14, 1994, Saga announced that it was entering television broadcasting by purchasing KOAM-TV for $8.55 million.^[11]

In March 1997, Saga agreed to purchase WFMR and WFMI from Harris Classical Broadcasting Company and Harbish Company for $5 million.^[12]

In July 1998, it was announced that Saga would purchase another television station KAVU-TV and radio station KNAL from Withers Broadcasting for $11.875 million.^[13] Also that year, they also purchased two stations (KPUG and KAFE) from San Juan Radio Inc. for $5.825 million.^[14]

In October 1999, Saga purchased three stations (KICD, KICD-FM and KIGL) from Iowa Great Lakes Broadcasting Co. for $6.4 million.^[15]

In November 2000, Saga purchased three stations (WDXN, WABD, WCVQ and WZZB) from Southern Broadcasting Corp. for 6.7 million.^[16][17] Although the sales for WDXN, WADB and WCQV went through, the sale for WZZB collasped.^{[citation needed]}

On May 10, 2017, Saga announced they would exit the television broadcasting, selling its TV assets to Morgan Murphy Media for $66.6 million.^[18] The same day, Saga announced they would purchase seven FM stations, one AM station and four translators owned by Apex Media Corporation for $23 million.^[19]

In October 2018, Saga purchased four stations from Ocala Broadcasting Corporation, a subsidiary of Dix Communications for $9.3 million.^[20][21]

On February 14, 2024, Saga announced they would purchase the five radio stations and one translator in Lafayette, Indiana from Neuhoff Communications, Inc. for $5.3 million.^[22]

In August 2025, Saga announced they would be selling 24 broadcast tower sites.^[23] The sale was completed in October at the price of $10.7 to GTC Towers.^[24]

Radio stations

References

1. ^ McLane, Paul (August 22, 2022). "Ed Christian, Founder of Saga Communications, Dies". Radio World. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
2. ^ "Josephson sells radio stations to Christian". Broadcasting & Cable. April 21, 1986. p. 36. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
3. ^ Jacobson, Adam (August 22, 2022). "An Ongoing Adventure, Continuing Past Its Founder". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
4. ^ "Selling surge.". Broadcasting & Cable. September 29, 1986. p. 64. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
5. ^ "Groups". Broadcasting & Cable. February 9, 1987. pp. 60–62. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
6. ^ "Ownership Changes". Broadcasting & Cable. October 1, 1990. p. 76. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
7. ^ "WVEM(FM) Springfield, Ill., was sold by Daniel Menghini to Saga Communications for $1.5 million.". Broadcasting & Cable. October 5, 1992. p. 69. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
8. ^ "Corporate Profile - Saga Communications, Inc.". Saga Communications. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
9. ^ "WYNZ-AM-FM Portland, Me., has been sold". Broadcasting & Cable. May 10, 1993. p. 65. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
10. ^ "WLZR-AM-FM". Billboard. November 20, 1993. p. 78. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
11. ^ "Transactions". Television Digest. June 13, 1994. p. 8. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
12. ^ "Saga Expands in Milwaukee". Mediaweek. March 10, 1997. p. 26. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
13. ^ "Changing hands". Broadcasting & Cable. July 27, 1998. p. 47. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
14. ^ "TV and radio top sellers in 1998". Broadcasting & Cable. February 15, 1999. p. 50. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
15. ^ "Changing hands". Broadcasting & Cable. October 25, 1999. p. 86. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
16. ^ "Changing hands". Broadcasting & Cable. October 30, 2000. p. 33. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
17. ^ "Acquires WYAI in $10 million deal; Saga buys four from Southern". Radio & Records. November 3, 2000. p. 6. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
18. ^ Jacobson, Adam (May 10, 2017). "Saga Says Goodbye To TV With Morgan Murphy Deal". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
19. ^ Jacobson, Adam (May 10, 2027). "Saga’s Recommitment To Radio: An Apex Moment". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
20. ^ Venta, Lance (October 30, 2018). "Saga Communications Acquires Four In Gainesville/Ocala". RadioInsight. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
21. ^ Nagl, Kurt (October 31, 2018). "Saga Communications makes $9.3 million buy in latest mid-market push". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived February 17, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
22. ^ "Saga Communications, Inc. Agrees to Acquire Radio Stations Serving the Greater Lafayette, IN Radio Market". Saga Communications. February 13, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
23. ^ Jacobson, Adam (October 20, 2025). "Saga Completes Sales of Broadcast Tower Assets". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
24. ^ "Saga Closes Tower Sale; Broker Says ‘Malpractice’ For Others Not To Do The Same.". InsideRadio. October 21, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
25. ^ "Stations - Saga Communications". Sega Communications. Retrieved May 27, 2026.

External links

• Official website