While television transaction activity remained quiet in May, the radio market saw several notable deals, including the year’s largest radio transaction to date. Below is a summary of the month’s activity and year-to-date trends across television and radio.
Television Transactions
No Television Transactions Reported in May
There were no reported transactions involving Commercial Full Power or Class A television stations during May 2026.
Despite the lack of activity this month, several notable television transactions have already been announced in 2026.
Largest Television Transactions Year-to-Date
The largest television transaction announced so far in 2026 is EW Scripps’ acquisition of 23 television stations from INYO Broadcast Holdings for $54 million. The transaction includes stations serving major markets such as Phoenix, Detroit, Denver, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Buffalo, Spokane, Honolulu, and Boise.
The second-largest television transaction of the year was EW Scripps’ March acquisition of WTVQ in Lexington, Kentucky, from Morris Multimedia for $15.8 million.
Transaction Tracking Note
The previously announced Nexstar/TEGNA merger is not included in 2026 transaction totals. BIA records transactions when they are announced rather than when they close. The acquisition of 62 stations for $6.2 billion was announced in July 2025 and was therefore included in BIA’s July 2025 transaction report.
Radio Transactions
Dallas-Fort Worth Drives May Activity
Radio transaction activity in May was led by two deals in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
The largest transaction involved Urban One’s acquisition of KKDA and KRNB from Service Broadcasting Group for $22 million. The deal is currently the largest radio transaction announced in 2026.
The second-largest transaction announced during the month was Fuzion Dallas’ purchase of KZMJ from Urban One for $6 million.
Largest Radio Transactions Year-to-Date
With its $22 million purchase of KKDA and KRNB, Urban One now holds the largest radio transaction announced so far in 2026.
The second-largest transaction is now Hall Communications’ sale of three Florida stations serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Auburndale to MARC Radio Group for $9 million, announced in February.
Rounding out the top three is Arkansas River Valley Radio’s acquisition of 11 stations from Bobby Caldwell for $6.6 million, announced in January.
Additional February Transactions Added
Two smaller February transactions were added to BIA’s transaction database this month:
- WFOY (Jacksonville, Florida) was sold by Local Matters Broadcasting to Cook Broadcasting for $170,000.
- WQRW (Wellsville, New York) was sold by Pembrook Pines to Bulldog Sounds for $75,000.
Looking Ahead
While television M&A activity remained on pause during May, radio transactions continued to reflect ongoing consolidation and strategic market investments, particularly in larger metro areas. As the year progresses, BIA will continue tracking announced broadcast transactions and highlighting the deals shaping the evolving local media landscape.
Continuous Transaction Tracking – Broadcast ownership transactions are tracked and maintained throughout the year in BIA’s MEDIA Access Pro (MAPro) database. MAPro provides subscribers with access to station ownership records, transaction histories, market intelligence, company profiles, and industry contacts, helping media companies, investors, and industry professionals stay informed about changes across the local media landscape. Contact BIA to learn more about MAPro and BIA’s transaction tracking capabilities.
