Two Tuscarawas County radio stations will merge into one company, but their frequencies will remain the same.
The sale of WJER Radio to WTUZ Radio was announced following a deal reached with Lauren International, who had purchased the Dover company in 2022 after the death of Gary Petricola.
Lauren President and CEO Kevin Gray said the move is in line with continued commitment to the community and keeping the two stations locally owned.
“Think this is a big win for the community. It’s a big win for WTUZ and WJER, and Lauren feels an important part of that step so we’re very excited for that future.”
WTUZ’s Vice President Jarrod Slabaugh noted that the stations will retain their independent frequency.
“So, when you get into your car, and you’ve always listened to 99.9 it’ll still be there or if you listen to 100.9 it’ll still be there. Nothing is changing in that aspect. This is a great opportunity for both radio stations to join forces and continue to serve the community in each of their respect way but together.”
Meanwhile, WJER General Manager Amy Smith added that combining the two longtime local stations will be beneficial.
“Our staff has such a deep appreciation for our listeners, our business partners, and now we can continue that mission but with the added support of the dedicated broadcasters at WTUZ, so we can each take what people love about the individual stations, combine our efforts, and make it all even better.”
WTUZ President and majority owner, Joanne Obermiller, saw an opportunity to honor the legacy of her fiancé, Ed Schumacher, who founded WTUZ in 1990, but passed away from a hard-fought battle with cancer in 2013.
“Ed worked for Gary at WJER for a decade where he developed the passion to start his own station. Together we can do even more incredible things in honor of what Ed and Gary instilled in their stations.”
Following his death, a letter was found in Schumacher’s desk describing his interest in buying WJER.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2024