Through an exclusive 10-year licensing agreement, Citadel Communications will deliver ABC News Radio programming to terrestrial radio stations. Listeners of ABC News Radio will continue to enjoy the same broadcasts on their favorite radio stations.
The assets joining the new company had 2005 revenue of approximately $575 million and operating income of approximately $200 million. The programming includes popular syndicated radio programs such as Paul Harvey News and Comment, The Sean Hannity Show and The Tom Joyner Morning Show, as well as 24/7 music formats.
In addition, the merger includes the ABC Radio Networks, which create and distribute programming to more than 4,000 affiliates. As a company focused exclusively on the radio business, Citadel Communications will have the benefit of scale in an increasingly competitive industry.Īs part of the transaction, 14 FM and 8 AM ABC radio stations in nine major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Dallas, will join Citadel Communications. “We look forward to welcoming our talented new colleagues at ABC Radio who have a long history of strong market performance, and are eager to work together to integrate ABC’s top-notch assets into our new strategically enhanced radio group.”Īfter the transaction, Citadel Communications will be comprised of 177 FM stations and 66 AM stations in the nation’s leading markets, in addition to the ABC Radio Networks. “By joining forces to form Citadel Communications, our new company can continue to deliver on Citadel’s impressive record of success as well as pursue many exciting growth initiatives in the future,” said Suleman.
Suleman, a seasoned industry leader with both radio station and radio network experience, is the former CEO of Infinity Broadcasting. “With this merger we have a unique opportunity to offer Disney shareholders ownership in a new radio leader that will be well positioned for long-term success.”įarid Suleman, Citadel Chief Executive Officer, will be CEO and lead the management team of the new company. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. ABC Radio and Citadel are a strong strategic fit that will create one of the country’s largest radio station groups,” said Robert A. “Our ABC Radio business represents a premier set of assets that have been exceptionally well-managed. Valued at approximately $2.7 billion, the deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. Citadel shareholders will own the remaining 48% of the combined company. The newly combined company, to be named Citadel Communications, will be the third largest radio group in the United States, with a strong national footprint reaching more than 50 markets.įollowing the completion of the merger, Disney shareholders will own approximately 52% of Citadel Communications and The Walt Disney Company will retain $1.4 to $1.65 billion in cash depending on the market price of Citadel Broadcasting at the time of closing. Burbank, CA and Las Vegas, NV (February 6, 2006) - The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Citadel Broadcasting Corporation (NYSE: CDL) today announced that the Board of Directors of both companies have approved a definitive agreement to combine ABC Radio, which includes 22 radio stations and the ABC Radio Networks, with Citadel Broadcasting.