River Radio Ministries Merges with Rise FM Ohio

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 3, 2024

River Radio

River Radio Ministries, operating as The River on WCVO (104.9) in Columbus, OH has officially merged with Rise FM Ohio's seven stations including WSOH (88.9) in Bellefontaine, forming a unified network of faith-based radio stations serving communities across Ohio.

The collaboration began in August with the launch of WKVX (Glory 102.9) in Wooster, a Southern Gospel and local Sports outlet. At midnight on November 28, the remaining seven Rise FM frequencies transitioned to operate under The River's network, creating a broad coalition of stations united in their mission to serve Ohio listeners.

The newly expanded River Radio Ministries network includes:

• WCVO - Columbus 104.9
• WQKT - Wooster 104.5
• WKVX - Wooster 960 & 102.9
• WZNP - Newark 89.3
• WZCP - Chillicothe 89.3
• WFCO - Lancaster 90.9
• WVMC - Mansfield 90.7
• WSOH - Bellefontaine 88.9
• WKEN - Kenton 88.5
• WJEE - Bolivar/Canton 90.1
• WHEI - Tiffin 88.9
• Additional translators in Ashland and Findlay.

Rise FM General Manager Mark Boyer emphasized the shared vision that brought the organizations together. "The River and Rise FM have a shared mission. We believe we can do more together, and at our core, we're excited to stay local! Our stations have always focused on being connected in the community by being involved with local events, and partnering with local businesses, churches, and organizations. This will continue and be strengthened in this partnership."

The River President and CEO Bill Montgomery echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the strategic alignment of the two networks. "God's hand has been evident all over this merger. Our organizations perfectly complement one another from signal reach to staffing needs. We're excited to have the Rise FM stations and team as part of The River family and look forward to this opportunity together to show more people who Jesus really is all over Ohio."