Emmis Sells Kiss FM/New York Rights to YMF Media

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 26, 2012 | 3:51pm CT

Following the announcement that Emmis-owned WRKS-FM (98.7 Kiss FM)/New York will flip to ESPN Sports under a lease agreement, comes word that the Urban AC will be combined with similarly formatted WBLS-FM, with a simulcast that began Thursday morning. Emmis is selling the intellectual property rights of Kiss FM and current Emmis programs to YMF Media, who is in the process of acquiring WBLS-FM and WLIB-AM. The WBLS calls will remain.

WBLS-FM VP/GM Deon Levingston said, "WBLS and WRKS have been the voice of the tri-state black community for 30 years and we plan to merge the best of both stations to create a stronger voice to deliver the best in R&B music while also super serving our community."

Emmis/New York Senior VP/GM Alexandra Cameron added, "I extend my gratitude and deepest thanks to the many special people that created the memories and sense of community that KISS FM delivered for 30 years. Emmis will be forever grateful. We are so very glad that a part of KISS will remain remembered through WBLS programming as they welcome beloved personalities like Shaila and Lenny Green."

Following the move, syndicated Tom Joyner and syndicated Michael Baisden wjool exit. The new WBLS lineup is expected to air syndicated Steve Harvey in mornings, former Kiss middayer Shaila in middays, Jeff Foxx in afternoons and Kiss night talent Lenny Green in nights.