Civic Media Expands into Michigan's Upper Peninsula

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 1:54pm CT

Civic Media

Civic Media has announced a major expansion into Michigan's Upper Peninsula through an asset purchase agreement filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to acquire five radio stations from J&J Broadcasting, based in Iron River, WI. The acquisition will be completed under the newly-formed Michigan Civic Media Alliance, a venture led by Civic Media with investment support from the Michigan Independent Media Group (MIMG).

The stations involved in the deal include Country WJMS (590/92.1) and Classic Rock WIMI (99.7) in Ironwood, MI; Country WUPY (101.1) in Ontonagon, MI; and Adult Hits WKMJ (Mix 93.5) and News/Talk & Sports WMPL (920/107.7) in Hancock-Houghton, MI.

"These heritage radio stations have served their local communities for years and are strong partners with local businesses and organizations," said Civic Media Vice President of Operations Kory Hartmann. "We intend to continue that legacy of service and add a wider array of products to keep people in touch with their community."

Civic Media CEO Sage Weil emphasized the organization's mission to invest in underserved markets: "At Civic Media we believe in the importance of local media, and investing in rural areas where quality news and information is too often hard to come by. We are excited by this opportunity to expand our network into the upper peninsula."

Jason Franklin, General Partner at MIMG, added, "MIMG's launch was inspired in part by Civic Media's leadership in sustaining independent media in Wisconsin. We're excited to be formally partnering with them for their first expansion into the great state of Michigan and to work with them to preserve and expand vibrant local media across our state."

Outgoing owner Jerry Hackman, President of J&J Broadcasting, reflected on the sale: "We are very pleased to announce the sale of the stations, and we could not be more pleased with the buyer. We are very comfortable turning over the customer and employee relationships over to Civic Media as they continue to stress the importance of local and small town radio. I'd like to sincerely thank everyone that has supported us in various ways over the last 42 years."

Upon regulatory approval, Civic Media will own and operate a total of 30 stations across three states: 23 in Wisconsin, two in northern Minnesota, and five in Michigan.