Under the terms of the transaction, WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s trading price prior to the announcement of the transaction.

The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to Christian ministry and faithful stewardship. As a private company, Salem will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms while working with WaterStone to pursue new opportunities for investment and growth.

“This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company,” said David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media. “Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country. With WaterStone alongside us, we are positioned to invest for the future while remaining firmly committed to the mission that has guided this company from the very beginning.”

The transaction comes during a period of significant momentum for Salem as the company continues to outperform broader industry trends. Salem has also continued expanding its national radio, streaming and podcast platforms, bringing together one of the strongest talent lineups in Christian and conservative media. That includes influential Christian broadcasters such as Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg and Allen Jackson and conservative voices including Scott Jennings, Larry O’Connor, Alex Marlow, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt and Lara Trump.

Richard von Gnechten, President of WaterStone and Chairman of Salem Media’s Board of Directors, said, “Today is not about changing what Salem is. It is about giving Salem an even stronger foundation to build on what it does best. What excites us about Salem is not only what the company has built, but how much opportunity remains ahead.”

Edward Atsinger III, Salem co-founder and board member, said, “When Stuart Epperson and I founded Salem more than 50 years ago, we could not have imagined the reach and impact it would have today. Knowing Salem’s mission will be carried forward by a partner that shares our values gives me tremendous confidence in what comes next.”

Today, Salem remains one of the largest Christian and conservative multimedia companies in America, reaching millions across its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms. With the transaction complete, Salem and WaterStone will focus on strengthening those businesses and pursuing new opportunities for long-term growth.

The post Salem Media Completes Acquisition by WaterStone first appeared on CMB.

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– Adam Hannan, Station Manager, Life 88.5

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“It is a tremendous blessing and a calling to join K-LOVE and serve a ministry that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with listeners across the country and around the world,” says Evan Masyr. “I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the outstanding leadership team and dedicated employees, continuing to advance K-LOVE’s mission of inspiring people to move closer to Jesus. I am honored to join an organization whose mission 100% aligns with my personal faith.”

Maysr adds, “As I begin this new chapter with K-LOVE, I do so with appreciation for the 26½ years I spent at Salem Media Group. Salem provided incredible opportunities to grow as a leader and serve alongside remarkable colleagues, all while advancing the mission of Christian media. I am forever thankful for the friendships and experiences that shaped both my career and my faith.”

“We are delighted to have someone with Evan’s deep industry experience and relationships, along with his record of integrity and heart for ministry,” says K-LOVE Chief Executive Officer Tom Stultz. “Evan has been on the frontlines of practically every major media innovation for the past two decades. He adds depth to everything we do. And he is committed to financial transparency, integrity and stewardship.”

Evan Masyr will be moving to the Franklin, Tennessee area with Christy, his wife of more than 33 years. They have four adult children. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

His first day at K-LOVE will be September 14, 2026.

The post K-LOVE Appoints Evan Masyr as New Chief Financial Officer first appeared on CMB.

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Musicians from local churches led worship throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of praise and unity. The Christian Motorcyclists Association and Gideons served alongside local volunteers at the prayer tent. The event also featured a kids zone with face painting, coloring pages, a scavenger hunt, and more! Food and local merchandise vendors were at the venue all day.

An estimated 578 people attended The Alive Event, which is 100 more than last year. The event served as an outreach to the community. The Gospel was presented multiple times at the event.

In addition to the worship teams ministering in music, there were two special kids’ segments on the main stage. Recording artist Jamie Kimmett closed out the event with a special worship set.

While this was the tenth year for the Alive Event, it was the second year that The Connection was the lead organizer.

“Our tagline is ‘Connecting You to Christ,’ and this event falls right in line with our mission,” said Heidi Larson, General Manager of 103.7 The Connection. “Not only do we play great music, but we also go out into the communities we serve and share the love of Christ. In a world that can look hopeless at times, we want to let our community know there is hope in Christ. We are excited to see what God does in the years to come through the Alive Event.”

The post 103.7 The Connection’s Alive Event Brings Worship and Community to Downtown Dickinson first appeared on CMB.

The post 103.7 The Connection’s Alive Event Brings Worship and Community to Downtown Dickinson appeared first on CMB.

“This certification reflects the kind of culture our team has built together,” said Evan Carlson, president and CEO of ILM. “Our employees care deeply about our mission and about serving one another well. I’m grateful that their feedback shows we are continuing to create a workplace where people can grow, contribute and do meaningful work that impacts lives for Christ.”

Best Christian Workplaces evaluates workplace culture and employee engagement through its FLOURISH model, which measures eight key drivers of a thriving workplace, including teamwork, leadership, growth and communication. At the time of ILM’s 2026 certification, approximately 66 other organizations across all sectors had maintained Best Christian Workplace certification for five consecutive years.

“At Best Christian Workplaces, our vision is that Christian-led workplaces set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world. We equip Christian leaders to create and sustain flourishing workplaces so their employees can bring their full passion, commitment and joy to their work,” shared Aimee Hodges, consultant with Best Christian Workplaces. “Over the past six years, the leaders at Intentional Life Media have done just that! They have cultivated a flourishing workplace by consistently seeking and acting on the input of their employees. We are excited to certify them as a Best Christian Workplace, once again in 2026!”

Through its continued focus on employee growth, collaboration and purpose, ILM equips its team to serve listeners and communities while advancing its mission of sharing hope in Christ.

The post Intentional Life Media Earns Sixth Best Christian Workplace Certification first appeared on CMB.

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The annual recognition celebrates program directors from across the country for their leadership and impact in radio. Please join CMB in congratulating them on this well-deserved industry recognition!

Randy Fox

Troy West

The post CMB Community Members Recognized Among Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors first appeared on CMB.

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According to Nielsen, AM/FM radio reaches 87% of adults in the US every week, and Americans still spend nearly four hours a day with audio. In the car, AM/FM accounts for 55% of listening time. 

But radio is more than numbers. It’s about connection. It’s the familiar voice joining you in the morning. The song that plays at just the right moment. The stories of hope that fill your tank. 

Technology will continue to change. Radio will change with it. But there will always be something powerful about one person behind a microphone connecting with one person on the other side. 

That’s what makes radio special.

In honor of National Radio Day, here are a few thoughts from our own CMB Insiders and a few other names you’ll recognize…

“Anytime in radio that you can reach somebody on an emotional level, you’re really connecting.” – Casey Kasem

“I am reframing the ‘have to’s’ of this job, like support drive into the  ‘get to’s.’  I get to hear people’s stories and I get to see God move in their lives. That subtle shift actually helps me enjoy support drives so much more.” – Wally 

“You can get a song in 74 places. Apple’s got it, Spotify’s got it, but radio is your friend.” – Bobby Bones

“Radio is the only medium that never asks you to stop living to enjoy it.” – Troy West

“I love laughing with our listeners, hearing their stories, and being part of their daily lives.” – Ryan Seacrest

“Radio is super special because it’s powerful and personal at the same time. Reaching a crowd, while remaining an intimate conversation with one.”  – Cari Kates

“We are in the friendship business.” – Elvis Duran

“There’s nothing better than talking to one of my radio friends and hearing a story about a song I’m working, and the power of that song on a listener’s life. That’s powerful.” – Grant Hubbard

The post The Power of Radio first appeared on CMB.

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They also provided each school with a generous supply of socks and underwear, something many students need and that the school keeps in case of accidents. Items were donated by listeners and through a Rotary Club grant.

The post Hope FM/WHIF Delivers School Supplies to Over 300 Students first appeared on CMB.

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“This is a significant step in the reach of this ministry,” said Matt Austin, KCBI General Manager and Vice President of Operations. “God continues to open doors and expand the opportunity for listeners to hear trusted Bible teachers on a local FM signal.”

Dallas County is home to approximately 2.8 million people. 102.5 FM gives KCBI’s All Teaching Channel a strong new local FM presence in the most populous county in North Texas.

“We are especially excited about what this means for our teaching partners,” said Austin. “Programs that have traditionally been available through HD Radio, streaming and other platforms now have an FM signal that is accessible to a much broader audience.”

“We are praying for listeners who will now hear the truth of God’s Word through 102.5 FM,” said Sharon Geiger, Senior Director of Network Operations. “We are claiming the promise of Isaiah 55:11, ‘So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it … shall accomplish that which I purpose.’”

And the expansion is continuing. KCBI anticipates moving 770 AM to its full market location this fall, airing the All Teaching Channel, in the coming months, further expanding its availability.

“This is another example of how God continues to open doors for KCBI,” said Austin. “We’re not simply adding signals – we’re creating more opportunities for people to encounter God’s Word.”

KCBI’s All Teaching Channel is now available at 90.9/92.9 HD2, Dallas/Waco, 102.5 FM Dallas County, online and through the KCBI mobile app.

The post KCBI Launches All Teaching Channel at 102.5 FM in Dallas first appeared on CMB.

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