Last edited on Fri Aug 1st, 2008 11:24 pm by Segue

New owners for 7 area radio stations

BY RON WOOLMAN
Quill Staff Writer


Three Rivers Communications has purchased the seven radio stations owned by Ozark Radio Network, which is the parent company of a business started by West Plains resident Robert Neathery in 1947. He took to the radio airwaves with KWPM-AM. Today, Ozark Radio Network includes KWPM-AM and KWPM-FM, KUKU-AM and KUKU-FM in Willow Springs, KSPQ-FM and KKDY-FM in West Plains and KUPH-FM in Mtn. View, all owned by Tom and Shawn (Neathery) Marhefka.

One of the new owners is Paul Coates of Branson. He told The Quill it is rare to have the opportunity to purchase a legacy and his corporation takes seriously the responsibility of carrying it forward.

Today, Marhefka told The Quill  he really appreciates the community for the support Ozark Radio Network has received. “We’ve enjoyed having the stations the last 15 years. We also appreciate Bob (Neathery), Shawn’s grandfather, teaching us the business.

“This was a great opportunity to sell to two men who have such vast experience in broadcasting.”

Marhefka said his immediate plans include working some on his farm, plus a business venture involving several West Plains businessmen, which will be announced in the future.

Coates said he and Fred White of Kansas City were in negotiations for the sale for the past two months and finalization of the purchase came Friday. Coates and White own KHOM-FM and KBMV-FM. Both have studios in West Plains and KHOM is licensed in Salem, Ark., Coates said. KBMV is licensed in Birch Tree in Shannon County

Coates reminded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates radio stations and sets the number allowed per area. In this case, he said, he and White will probably have to sell one of their stations, possibly KBMV. 
Coates said their corporation also has purchased about 10 acres that includes the original/current KWPM building on U.S. 160 on the eastern edge of West Plains. On it, he said, he and White may construct a building to house all the stations under one roof. Now, for example, KUKU is housed in Willow Springs.

Coates didn’t specify what changes will be forthcoming, but said they will be done gradually and he will be the general manager until he appoints one.
Coates, who said he plans to spend 95 percent of his time in West Plains, has programmed, been in advertising, management and ownership of radio stations for 44 years. He has owned stations in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi and Iowa.

White was the play-by-play announcer for the Kansas City Royals baseball team for 25 years and is now director of the Royals Radio Network and alumni association. He also owns a radio station in Russell, Kan. Coates said White was one of the first play-by-play announcers on the ESPN Network.

Last edited on Thu Aug 7th, 2008 09:42 pm by Segue