The local airwaves across Vero Beach and the wider Treasure Coast are getting a notable update as MARC Radio Group officially expands its central Florida footprint. In a move that significantly impacts the local media landscape, MARC Radio Group has announced a $2.073 million deal to acquire three FM radio stations from Cumulus Media.
This strategic acquisition solidifies MARC’s presence along Florida’s Atlantic coast, particularly right here in the Fort Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach broadcasting market. For local residents who love classic rock, this means that 95.9 The Rocket (WROK) will soon operate under a new corporate umbrella.
MARC Radio Group is already a highly familiar name on the Treasure Coast dial. With this latest acquisition, 95.9 The Rocket will join MARC’s robust existing cluster of Vero Beach and Fort Pierce area stations, which includes:
- 93.7 WGYL (Adult Contemporary)
- 99.7 Jack FM WJKD (Adult Hits)
- 97.1 The Ocean WOSN (Soft Adult Contemporary)
- B-94.7 WPHR (Country)
- News Talk 1490 WTTB
In addition to the Treasure Coast acquisition, the multi-million-dollar deal also includes two popular stations in the neighboring Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa market: CHR A-1-A 107.1 WAOA and country station 102.7 The HitKicker WHKR. Following the finalization of this sale, Cumulus Media will completely exit both of these regional Florida markets.
Pending official FCC approval and customary closing conditions, MARC will begin operating the newly acquired stations under a local marketing agreement. This purchase elevates the media company’s total portfolio to 22 radio stations, following a rapid expansion earlier this year that included the acquisition of nine stations along Florida’s I-95 corridor and the Lakeland-Winter Haven area.
MARC Chief Operating Officer Scott Miller expressed enthusiasm for the continued central Florida expansion, emphasizing the company’s commitment to community-driven broadcasting for local residents.
As planned, our signals now pretty much cover a majority of the central Florida peninsula. We’ve remained true to our objective to bring community-focused, meaningful on-air programming to our growing listener and advertising bases. And we’re just getting started.
Miller noted that the newly acquired stations, including Vero Beach’s own classic rock staple 95.9 The Rocket, have cultivated fiercely loyal audiences over the years. By applying their fine-tuned formula for growth and profitability, MARC Media intends to provide the necessary tools and investments to grow those listener bases even further, ensuring that the Treasure Coast continues to enjoy vibrant, locally-invested radio programming for years to come.
