BuyOne!
[April 2026] Tell the truth: at least once in your career you have thought that “I can run a station better than this guy!” If you plan properly, you can turn that into a good living. George Kimble explains.
The thought must have crossed your mind at some time: Should I look at buying my own station?
As it turns out, now would be a good time; stations are priced far more reasonably than in the past.
Back in 2007 FM stations were selling for $15 per person in the stations 60 dbu contour. The price in 2025 is $3.84 per pop. Stations used to trade at 10-12 times Broadcast Cash flow – today it is 5 to 7 times.
Radio is still an excellent investment – and more affordable!
TAKING A LOOK AT RADIO
According to a broadcast trade publication, despite a doom-and-gloom forecast, many radio companies are still bringing in impressive amounts of cash.
If paired with a well-thought-out capital structure (where you are not dropped into unmanageable debt cycle) and good budgetary plans for operations that do not constantly spend more than you take in, a radio operation can definitely generate substantial profits without the need for constant reinvestment.
In recent years, it is apparent that in order to operate in competition with streaming content, etc, exploiting technology more than personnel often is the key.
CHANGES THAT CAN BE HANDLED
Broadcasting, like everything else is not static. It changes to meet the times in which we are living.
On the other hand, the basic features are still a strong point for station owners and operators. Close to 90% of the population listen to radio each week. Radio does not cost your listeners anything but their time and interest – and you do not need an Internet feed to get it. Any potential competitors face an expensive path to gain a foothold in gaining audience share.
So, with a good plan and the right economic structure, it is entirely possible to quickly develop a profitable operation.
WHAT WORKS
Tried and true: compelling content presented live and locally attract an audience amid all the other options.
This is where intelligent use of technology can be the difference between a heavily burdened financial situation and a smooth, easier operation. No, you do not want to run automated 24/7. While there are applications to help assemble programming, the important thing is to use them intelligently, not merely to eliminate a live voice.
Those stations that intelligently use automation can and do present complex programming that keeps the listener engaged. This leads to people visiting your sponsors, which in turn keep the money flowing.
A GREAT FINANCING PLAN
More stations than ever are available to purchase with seller financing.
With seller financing, the current owner acts as the “bank,” and with a good down payment (25 to 33% of the total price) the new buyer (you) will have 5 to 10 years to pay off the balance from revenues that the station generates – and the interest rate is usually less than current bank rates. (Deals at 6% APR are common.)
With more and more owners reaching retirement age, right now is a good time to find the right station for you. Using an experienced Media Broker will make your job much easier.
Not only does the seller pay the broker’s commission, but having a knowledgeable broadcaster working to make the deal happen will smooth the way in so many ways.
PUT YOUR DESIRES INTO ACTION
The best way to start is to take a look at some of our current listings at www.RadioTV4sale.com.
Consider what size market in which you would like to live – hands-on ownership and operation have major advantages over absentee ownership. If you are part of the community, very often the business community will recognize that and make your success more easily obtained.
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George Kimble has owned stations for over 40 years – and still does – and has been brokering for over 20 years. He is associated with a group of six independent brokers who cover the entire country, making it easier to find you the right station to own. Contact George at georgewkimble@aol.com or give him a call at 520-299-4869.
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