After less than six months on the air, New Rock 101.9 has been sold by Merlin Media for $75 million and acquired by CBS who will transition their flagship sports station WFAN to 101.9 FM. Merlin CEO Randy Michaels says, “Many talented people have worked hard to create a terrific Alternative station, but our obligation to retire significant debt necessitates this decision. Thanks to everyone for your hard work with New Rock 101.9. The formats initial success made the decision very difficult.”
Operations Manager Jim Richards tells Alternative Contraband, “Disappointing, for sure. But I understand the financial situation and why the decision was made. Despite the brief lifespan, we struck a chord with a playlist New Yorkers embraced. It couldn’t have been done without the efforts of Walt Flakus, Brian Phillips, Dan Stone, Sabrina Cesas, Brian Lueck and Jana Fiorello. This small group worked very hard with limited resources and deserve recognition in 101.9′s explosive growth.”
