Audacy, GKB Enter LMA for 880 AM in New York

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 12, 2024

Audacy and Good Karma Brands

Audacy and Good Karma Brands (GKB) ink a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) that will take effect on August 26. Under the deal, GKB will manage the programming for 880 AM, transforming it into the new home of ESPN New York, which will replace the current all-news format of WCBS. Audacy will retain ownership of the frequency, and pending FCC approval, the station's call letters will be changed to WHSQ-AM.

Audacy will now channel its efforts into delivering premium news content to the Tri-State area through 1010 WINS@92.3 FM. This station holds the title of the most-listened-to news radio station in the country and remains the only 24/7 all-news station in the New York market.

Audacy New York will maintain its role as the exclusive rights holder and flagship audio home for the New York Mets. Audacy-produced broadcasts will continue to be aired on 880 AM and streamed via the Audacy app.

"New York has always been uniquely proud to support two all-news radio stations, but the landscape of the news industry has changed dramatically," said Audacy New York Market President Chris Oliviero. "The challenges facing local journalism nationwide have made it crucial to strategically rethink how we deliver the news for maximum impact. WCBS 880 has been a historic station, with a legacy shaped by the many world-class journalists who have worked tirelessly over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, WCBS 880 was there to report it."

He added, "Today, 1010 WINS@92.3FM, an equally iconic station, steps forward as New York's only 24/7 all-news station, with the best distribution platform, the largest audience, and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a core pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, strengthens that leadership for generations to come."

Audacy expanded the reach of 1010 WINS in October, 2022 by adding a simulcast on 92.3 FM. 1010 WINS@92.3FM has a distribution platform that extends further into the Tri-State suburbs, including Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester, and Connecticut. Across FM, AM, and digital platforms, nearly two million people tune in weekly to 1010 WINS@92.3FM for news, traffic, and weather updates.

To honor the impact of WCBS 880, the station will air a live commemorative special titled "WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped Our Lives" on August 22 from 10am-1pm ET. This special edition of "Newsline," hosted by Brigitte Quinn, will feature interviews and historical clips.