Salem Media Group has sold its seven remaining contemporary Christian music radio stations to the Educational Media Foundation (EMF) for $80 million, pending FCC approval.

The sale includes stations in seven major U.S. markets:

• KLTY-FM (Arlington, TX)
• WFSH-FM (Athens, GA)
• WFHM-FM (Cleveland, OH)
• KFSH-FM (La Mirada, CA)
• KKFS-FM (Lincoln, CA)
• KBIQ-FM (Manitou Springs, CO)
• KFIS-FM (Scappoose, OR)

EMF plans to implement its K-LOVE or Air1 Worship Now programming on these stations starting February 1, through a local marketing agreement. The organization currently reaches approximately 18 million weekly listeners through over 1,100 broadcast signals nationwide.

This strategic move allows Salem Media Group to eliminate its long-term debt. The company has also:

• Entered a $10 million advertising agreement with EMF
• Repurchased $159.4 million in outstanding senior secured notes
• Issued $40 million in Series B convertible preferred stock to WaterStone Foundation
• Extended its credit line with Siena Lending Group

Tom Stultz, EMF's interim CEO, emphasized their commitment to maintaining Christian music programming in these markets, while Salem's executive chairman Edward G. Atsinger expressed confidence in EMF's ability to serve listeners effectively.

The transaction represents a significant shift in Salem Media Group's strategy, focusing more on talk and information programming while strengthening its financial position.

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