Home Economy Economic Activity Ocean State Media acquires 103.7 FM, plans to move radio programming to...

Ocean State Media acquires 103.7 FM, plans to move radio programming to lone frequency

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PBN Staff

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01/21/2026

OceanState — OCEAN STATE Media announced Wednesday it has acquired 103.7 WEVI-FM from Audacy Inc.

PROVIDENCE – Ocean State Media announced Wednesday it has solidified its radio presence in Rhode Island with the acquisition of 103.7 WEVI-FM from Audacy Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission. In a podcast with Ian Dannis, Ocean State Media CEO and President Pam Johnson said the acquisition allows the company to solely broadcast

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PROVIDENCE – Ocean State Media announced Wednesday it has solidified its radio presence in Rhode Island with the acquisition of 103.7 WEVI-FM from Audacy Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission. In a podcast with Ian Dannis, Ocean State Media CEO and President Pam Johnson said the acquisition allows the company to solely broadcast on one radio frequency. She added the company now plans to sell its five other media frequencies that serve Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts: 89.3 FM, 89.5 FM, 90.7 FM, 102.7 FM and 1290 AM. “With this move, listeners will no longer need to change channels to continue hearing Ocean State Media as they travel throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts,” Johnson said. “Once approved, audiences can tune to a single frequency for a clear, high-quality broadcast, advancing our commitment to delivering distinctly local news and information more effectively and efficiently across the region.” In its news release, Ocean State Media said the proposed transition from five frequencies to one, including transmission equipment, represents a $4.9 million investment, which will be financed. The change, which is projected to take 90 days, will improve broadcast quality while also allowing for long-term operational efficiencies.  “Over time we believe that this transaction actually is going to pay for itself. It really makes great sense,” Johnson said. According to Radio Insight, Audacy closed its Westerly sales and marking offices for WVEI-FM in 2023. WVEI-FM has simulcasted WEEI AM and FM sports talk programing from Boston since 2004. WVEI-FM was Audacy’s only radio station in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Public Radio and Rhode Island PBS merged in May 2024 and rebranded as Ocean State Media in June 2025. Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island Public Radio, doing business as The Public’s Radio, submitted their merger bid in November 2023. Attorney General Peter F. Neronha approved the consolidation in April 2024. In September, Ocean State Media avoided layoffs by offering employees voluntary buyouts. The number of people who opted to take the buyouts was not disclosed.