Newest Anchorage radio player has reputation for 'live and local'
Would be entering a market that is healthier overall than those elsewhere in the country,
The newest entrant in Anchorage's radio market is an up-and-comer known for promoting live, local programming over the automated playlists and pre-recorded DJ patter that characterizes much of the industry, Alaska Dispatch News writes.
Alpha Media agreed to buy six Anchorage stations from Morris Communications as part of a $38 million deal encompassing 36 radio properties in five states from Texas to Alaska.
The company's pending arrival appears to be a testament to the well-being of the Anchorage radio market. Alpha Media Chairman Larry Wilson, who has been in the business for four decades, said he has tried to buy the stations before.
Alpha, based in Portland, Oregon, would be entering a market that is healthier overall than those elsewhere in the country, said Dennis Bookey, who was the Alaska market manager for Morris Communications for more than 25 years, according to Alaska Dispatch News.