The current owners of WSAR Radio have announced plans to sell the 102-year-old radio station to city councilor and local business owner Cliff Ponte and Michael Slivia, co-owner of local news websites Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
James and Robert Karam have owned WSAR since 1992, committed to serving the information needs of Fall River and the surrounding suburbs. During an announcement on the WSAR Weekend Update, hosted by current General Manager Sue Nedar, James Karam stated that he and his brother are, or will soon be, retiring, and it is time to seek new ownership for the radio station.
Councilor Ponte says he plans to seek a move of the station from its studios in Somerset to a location within Fall River. Before becoming an accomplished real estate broker, business owner, and city politician, Councilor Ponte was an on-air personality at WSAR and other local radio stations. He said he understands the desire to carry the station’s legacy forward.
Mr. Silvia, who will serve as general manager, plans to create a program schedule with live, local talk show hosts from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and leverage the online reach of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide to drive listeners to WSAR.
As owner of a local media outlet, Councilor Ponte expects criticism from those who may allege that he might censor opinions from those who do not agree with his and his allies’ positions in local government.
Ms. Nedar will remain at the station and lead its advertising and marketing efforts as sales manager. The transfer of the WSAR radio license is likely to take months, as the parties seek approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
Comments are closed.