Beasley Media Sells 98.7 The Shark in Tampa to EMF

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 30, 2025 | 11:10am CT

Educational Media Foundation

Beasley Media Group has agreed to sell WPBB-FM (98.7 The Shark) to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), marking EMF's first entry into the Tampa Bay radio market. The sale will bring an end to Beasley's ownership of the station, which began in 2014 when it acquired WPBB as part of a broader station swap with CBS Radio. Since then, 98.7 FM has operated under various formats, most recently as a Classic Rock outlet as "The Shark."

"We're excited to enter into an agreement with EMF on the sale of 98.7 The Shark," said Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group. "EMF's longstanding commitment to delivering uplifting, family-friendly content aligns with the values of the community, and we're confident they will make a meaningful impact as they enter this vibrant market."

EMF plans to convert the station to carry its K-LOVE format, which features positive and encouraging Christian music programming and is syndicated across hundreds of affiliates.

"After 43 years, it is truly a privilege and a blessing to finally be in Tampa," said EMF CEO Tom Stultz. "Our mission is to be a trusted source of compelling media linking people everywhere to the hope of Christ. We anticipate K-LOVE's positive and encouraging Christian format will become a welcomed, safe place to land for listeners in this fantastic city."

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to FCC approval and other customary closing conditions. Michael J. Bergner served as the broker for the deal.