Interesting diversification: The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) are entering the radio business with the purchase of WOYK AM 1350 from WOYK, Inc., the radio station’s current licensee.
The station is York’s oldest radio station, founded in 1932, and operates with a sports talk format. The station carries all 140 York Revolution games, York College sports, and a weekly broadcast of York County high school sports. The station is also a member of the NBC Sports network and carries selected national sports talk and game broadcasts through that network. The acquisition is expected to be completed by April 1, 2014.
In related news, Darrell Henry, the Revolution’s play-by-play broadcaster, will become general manager of the station when the acquisition is complete. He will continue to call the action on all York Revolution games.
“The Revolution brings many resources and possibilities to WOYK and its listeners,” said WOYK president Doug George. “Given the community focus of the radio station throughout the 26 years of my involvement, I find it both exciting and gratifying that the ownership of the station will remain local and continue the tradition of positive participation in our community.
“I’d like to thank the numerous staff who contributed to the operation of WOYK, with special acknowledgement of the efforts of John Hess, WOYK’s station engineer. I am truly grateful for John’s hard work and dedication throughout these many years. Further thanks to WOYK’s advertisers for their sponsorship of our local sports broadcasts and, of course, to the loyal listeners of WOYK whose support makes it all possible.”
Revolution President Eric Menzer said the acquisition is another example of the expansion of the Revolution’s core business into related areas. “We have a professional sales force and a great local sports talent in Darrell Henry,” said Menzer. “We have had a broadcast relationship with WOYK for the past four seasons, so we know each other well. When we started talking with Doug about it, all the pieces fell into place.”
“The Revolution is the premier sports team in York, and WOYK is the premier broadcast resource for local sports. We want to build on that. We intend to use our resources to build WOYK and enhance the commitment to, and coverage of, local sports while using national resources to continue to broadcast events such as the NFL playoffs and other premier national events,” Menzer added.
A new station logo, website, social media presence and some new programming would be announced in early April when the transfer of control of the station takes place.
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