South Florida Public Media Group Expands with 104.7 The Flame Acquisition

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - In a significant move for community-focused broadcasting, the South Florida Public Media Group (SFPMG) has announced its acquisition of the hip-hop station 104.7 The Flame. This recent development, reported by Radio Blog, marks an exciting chapter for public media in Palm Beach Shores, Florida. The station, which transmits at 50 kW ERP over WFLM-FM & HD1, will soon shift from its commercial roots to a non-commercial license under SFPMG.

The SFPMG is paying $6.45 million to the current owner, JDD Radio, for this acquisition. This deal not only signifies the re-establishment of a full-powered NPR partner in Palm Beach, a region that has been without a major public station since the 2015 sale of 90.7 WPBI, but it also reflects SFPMG’s broader goal of enhancing public service journalism in South Florida.

The Expansion and Its Implications

The acquisition is set against a backdrop of increasing need for reliable public media as many areas across the U.S. face dwindling local news resources. SFPMG plans to serve over 800,000 residents in Palm Beach and Martin Counties who currently lack accessible public media. As noted by WLRN, SFPMG’s mission is anchored in civic engagement and public service. With this new station, they’re committed to providing comprehensive local news coverage and investigative reporting, along with national programming from NPR.

Once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves the license change—a process expected to take place in the coming months—104.7 FM will be fully integrated into SFPMG’s network. This integration is part of a long-term strategy to combat the news deserts created by the closure of over 3,200 newspapers since 2005. SFPMG aims to position itself as a beacon of trusted journalism in a region hungry for trustworthy local news, especially in emergency situations.

What’s Next for “The Flame”?

The next steps in this exciting transition include the determination of the status of the station’s translator following its format change. Although the exact date for this transformation remains uncertain, there is considerable optimism. The commitment to high-quality journalism and educational programming is clear as SFPMG moves forward to bolster its presence in the region.

In summary, the purchase of 104.7 The Flame represents both a financial investment and a profound commitment to public service broadcasting. As emphasized in comments provided to Morningstar, SFPMG’s intentions are clear: they seek to enrich the lives of residents through accessible, high-quality media that champions local voices and narratives. The community can anticipate a promising new listening experience that truly puts the public first.