Hoffmann Gets FCC Go-Ahead To Buy Audacy’s St. Louis Stations.

The Federal Communications Commission has cleared the way for Hoffmann Media Group to acquire Audacy’s six-station St. Louis radio cluster, rejecting an objection that raised concerns about media consolidation, editorial independence and the future of local journalism. The decision removes the potential regulatory hurdle for Hoffmann as it makes its first move into radio broadcasting, part of a broader strategy to build a national media business combining newspapers, digital platforms and broadcast stations.

The FCC's Audio Division dismissed the objection filed by Missouri resident Corbett P. Shannon, who argued that Hoffmann’s expanding media holdings warranted greater scrutiny because of their potential impact on independent journalism and competition in the St. Louis market.

Shannon singled out news-talk KMOX, one of the nation's oldest and most recognizable radio brands, arguing that its longstanding role in providing local news, emergency information and public affairs programming gave the proposed ownership change particular significance.

“KMOX is not simply another radio station,” he wrote in an August objection. “It is one of the most influential broadcast institutions in the Midwest. For generations, Missourians have relied upon KMOX during natural disasters, public emergencies, elections, and moments of profound civic importance. It occupies a unique position in the public trust.”

He also warned that Hoffmann’s growing collection of media properties could reduce the number of independent editorial voices available to the public and increase the possibility that local issues would be presented through a single corporate perspective. The objection also questioned whether editorial decisions at the stations would remain independent of Hoffmann’s other commercial interests, which include real estate, hospitality and financial businesses. Shannon suggested that if the deal were to be cleared, the Commission should impose conditions requiring independently staffed local newsrooms, protections for editorial independence and continued investment in local journalism.

Audacy didn’t respond to the objection. But the FCC found no reason to rule against the radio group’s proposed spin-ff, concluding the “speculative assertions” raised were “insufficient” to justify blocking the transaction or attaching additional requirements to its approval. The Media Bureau also rejected concerns that the acquisition would create excessive media concentration or reduce competition. It noted that Hoffmann will comply with the FCC's local radio ownership rules and has no attributable interest in any other full-power commercial radio station in the St. Louis market.

As for what is on the air, the agency emphasized that broadcasters remain obligated to serve their local communities, but generally have discretion to determine how they meet those responsibilities, including decisions about news, public affairs and other programming. "The Commission expects each licensee, including Hoffmann, to abide by its public interest obligations," the FCC said. It also declined to impose the safeguards Shannon requested, calling them “unnecessary.” In a footnote, the agency also says several of the concerns about localism and journalism were broader policy questions more appropriately addressed through a rulemaking proceeding.

The $20 million acquisition, announced in June, includes KMOX-AM/FM (1120/104.1), "97.1 FM Talk" KFTK-FM, hot AC "Y98" KYKY, AC KEZK (102.5), urban AC "96.3 The Lou" WFUN-FM and urban contemporary "Hot 98.7" WHHL.

Hoffmann Family of Companies has been expanding its media interests through Hoffmann Media Group and Lee Enterprises, combining newspaper publishing, digital news and local advertising operations. The company said when the radio deal was announced that its newspaper holdings spanned 154 communities across 30 states. The company also announced that former Audacy St. Louis market manager Becky Domyan would return as Market President for the stations.