After almost 70 years, the Neuhoff Family has exited the Central Illinois broadcast radio industry in a final agreement to sell several radio channels.
Neuhoff Family Limited Partnership announced on Monday an agreement between Neuhoff Media LLC in Springfield and Bloomington to sell seven different channels to Woodward Communications, Inc, or WCI.
Woodward is an employee-owned company which owns eight radio stations and Insight Publications in Northeastern Wisconsin.
The announcement came the same day as a formal filing of an ownership change application with the Federal Communications Commission, cementing the final sale of the Neuhoff family out of broadcast radio media.
Kalil & Co., Inc brokered the deal between the two media companies on behalf of Neuhoff. Julian Hickman and Makena Neuhoff, trustees of the Neuhoff family, directed the sale of the company.
“This final sale is bittersweet for our family, reflecting both a proud legacy and an emotional farewell,” Hickman said. “The stations have been a vital part of our family and community, and while we cherish the incredible journey, it is time to turn the page.”
WCI CEO Tom Woodward said the acquired stations align with their focus on community media in markets across Illinois, with experienced teams and talent to their employee-owned company. Through the transition, it is unclear if any jobs will be impacted by the change of ownership.
Earlier this year on Feb. 1, Neuhoff sold nine radio and website channels in Decatur and Danville to Champaign Media group, marking the company’s first leap to exit the broadcast industry.
Previously, Neuhoff Family Limited Partnership and its local companies owned and operated 24 broadcast signals, along with multiple digital platforms, in five radio markets across central Illinois and west central Indiana.
What channels sold? Are the channels changing?
The channels sold to WCI in Springfield are:
- WFMB-AM/WFMB-FM
- WCVS-FM
- WXAJ-FM
While the channels sold in Bloomington are:
The Springfield channels are broadcasted from the radio station on South Fourth Street and range from sports coverage with 92.3-FM Channel1450, Country on 104.5-FM WFMB, '80s and '90s on 96.7-FM WCVS and WXAJ – better known as 99.7-FM the mix. At this time, all the channels will continue to provide the same coverage and music as always.
Neuhoff Media Interim CEO Steve Wexler said he couldn’t be happier for the local brand to transition to WCI broadcasting, and that the Woodward team shares Neuhoff’s passion for local journalism.
“It’s been an honor to be part of this closing chapter in the proud Neuhoff broadcast journey,” Wexler said.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
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