Update: Flag Family Media Buys Grand Rapids Radio Trio

An FCC filing shows the price for Fargo-based Flag Family Media’s purchase of a group of radio stations in Grand Rapids, Minn., is $1.4 million.

The group consists of Full Service Classic Hits outlet KOZY/1320 (Grand Rapids) and its FM translator, K226CV/93.1 (Grand Rapids), Adult Contemporary station KMFY/96.9 (Grand Rapids), and Classic Rock-formatted “J105” (KBAJ/105.5 Deer River-Grand Rapids).

Flag Family announced the deal to purchase the stations Wednesday, saying the Grand Rapids group will do business as “Rapids Radio.” The buyer also operates three News/Talk stations: “AM 1100 The Flag” (WZFG Dilworth-Fargo), WDAY/970 (Fargo), and KTGO/1090 (Tioga, ND).

Flag Family Media, which uses the licensee name Bakken Beacon Media, is owned by Steven Hallstrom and Scott Hennen. Hennen co-hosts a regionally-syndicated talk show that airs on WZFG, KTGO, and two other stations.

Lamke Broadcasting is owned by Jim and Colleen Lamke of Hill City. They bought KOZY/KMFY in 2012 and added KBAJ in 2017.

According to an asset purchase agreement filed July 6 with the FCC, Jim Lamke will continue to serve as general manager and sales manager of the stations for up to nine months. The deal also includes a ten-year agreement for the Lamkes not to work at any other radio or TV station within 100 miles of Grand Rapids.

KOZY, KMFY, and KBAJ are the only commercial radio stations based in Grand Rapids but also compete locally with four Hibbing-based stations owned by Midwest Communications.

This article was originally posted on June 30 and was updated on July 7 with information from an FCC filing.