July 14, 2015 – Earlier today, Entercom Communications announced that it had reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the Company’s acquisition of Lincoln Financial Media which was announced in December 2014. In connection with this settlement, Entercom has entered into an exchange agreement with Bonneville International under which Entercom will exchange four stations in Denver (KOSI-FM, KYGO-FM, KKFN-FM and KEPN-AM) to Bonneville for Classic Rock station KSWD, The Sound, in Los Angeles and $5 million in additional consideration. As a result of these two transactions, Entercom will be entering four new markets: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and San Diego.
With today’s announcement, Entercom has named Doug Abernethy as the Vice President/General Manager of Entercom Miami, Mike Fowler as Vice President/General Manager of Entercom Atlanta, Bob Bollinger as Vice President/General Manager of Entercom San Diego and Peter Burton as Vice President /General Manager of Entercom Los Angeles.
Commenting on the announcements, Weezie Kramer, Entercom’s Chief Operating Officer, noted “Lincoln Financial Media, Bonneville and their teams have built world-class brands, and we are excited about the opportunities to continue to grow these stations and to provide our listeners and customers with the best compelling local content and dynamic, integrated marketing solutions.” Kramer added “I am excited to welcome Doug, Bob, Mike and Peter to Entercom. They are great leaders and managers with a proven track record of success. As we enter these vibrant new markets, we are thrilled to have such talented and experienced media veterans at the helm.
In Denver where Entercom will be adding three new stations to its lineup as a result of the acquisition, Entercom announced that Amy Griesheimer will continue to lead Entercom Denver in her role as Vice President/General Manager. Kramer commented, “Amy has been a tremendous leader for Entercom Denver and we know her experience, leadership and vision will continue to drive ratings, revenue and audience engagement for our stations in Denver.”
Abernethy joined Entercom in April 2015 after 10 years as a Regional Vice President with Radio One. A second-generation broadcaster, Abernethy has been recognized for his industry efforts by receiving the Radios Best Mangers award in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and Radio Wayne Best Market Manager award in 2009. In 2010, he was awarded the Urban Knight award for his efforts in promoting and marketing African-American consumers to the nation’s largest advertisers.
Bolinger is a 30-year media veteran who has held various roles in radio, most recently as Senior Vice President and Market Manager of CBS Radio in San Diego. A passionate advocate for the radio industry, Bolinger is involved with many local charities and professional organizations including the San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Fowler is a seasoned media executive who has served as a President/Market Manager, Vice President/General Manager, Director of Sales and Local Sales Manager with several radio companies. Most recently, Fowler served as Director of Sales at ESPN Chicago.
Burton joined Bonneville in May 2008 after spending seven years as the Director of Sales for the Lincoln Financial Group in San Diego. While there, Burton was responsible for the local, national and new business operations of all three Lincoln Financial stations. A New York native, Burton began his 20-year media career in New York, where he spent 13 years in sales and management.
Griesheimer has been with Entercom since 2002. During her 26-year career, Griesheimer has held various positions, including Local Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Vice President, Director of Sales, General Manager and Market Manager. Griesheimer was a Radio Wayne award finalist in 2000 and 2010.
About Entercom
Entercom Communications Corp. (NYSE: ETM), is the fourth-largest radio broadcasting company in the United States, with a portfolio of 125 highly-rated radio stations in 27 top markets across the country. Known for developing unique and highly successful locally programmed stations, Entercom’s brands reach and engage close to 40 million people each week, delivering a curated mix of outstanding local personalities and a broad range of compelling music, news, talk and sports content.
Founded in 1968, Philadelphia-based Entercom also operates hundreds of events each year attracting millions of attendees, and provides customers with a broad range of digital marketing solutions through its SmartReach Digital products.
More information is available at www.audacyinc.wpengine.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@entercom).