EMF Completes $8M Deal for Tampa's 98.7 The Shark

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, September 29, 2025 | 10:16pm CT

Educational Media Foundation (EMF)

Educational Media Foundation (EMF) has finalized its $8 million purchase of Classic Rock WPBB-FM (98.7 The Shark) in Tampa, FL, from Beasley Media Group. EMF currently operates KLOVE and Air1 stations across the U.S. Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co. brokered the transaction.

The sale marks EMF's first entry into the Tampa Bay market. EMF, led by CEO Tom Stultz, plans to convert the signal to its K-LOVE format, offering positive and encouraging Christian music programming.

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

Beasley Media Group, which had owned WPBB since 2014, most recently programmed the station as Classic Rock "98.7 The Shark." Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley said the company was pleased with the deal. "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," she said.

The deal was originally announced in June and closed following FCC approval and customary conditions.