Attorney General's News Release

August 4, 1999

Nixon, Zimmer Radio resolve anti-competitive concerns with agreement for divestiture of Jeff City radio stations

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon announced today that his office and Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri Inc. (ZRMMI) have resolved his concerns over Zimmer's proposed acquisition of several additional radio stations in central Missouri, with Zimmer agreeing to sell two Jefferson City radio stations and a license for a new FM signal to a competitor.

Nixon had previously submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission in 1997 and 1998, stating that the application by Zimmer to acquire the five stations should be denied because it would substantially reduce competition for advertising time, would reduce diversity of voices in the region and would not be in the public interest.

Nixon said the agreement announced today resolves those concerns about how ZRMMI's proposed acquisition of the radio stations in central Missouri would affect competition. The agreement detailing the divestiture of these stations will be submitted to the FCC for its approval.

Under the agreement, ZRMMI will sell radio stations KWOS (1240 AM) and KJMO (100.1 FM) to the Premier Radio Group. In addition, Premier will purchase an FM signal in Jefferson City. Zimmer will purchase KTXY-FM and KLIK-AM in Jefferson City, KATI-FM in California, and KFAL-AM and KKCA-FM in Fulton. Zimmer currently owns KCLR-FM and KCMQ-FM in central Missouri, in addition to KWOS and KJMO.

"A significant concentration of providers and a lack of competition generally works against the benefit of the public, depriving it of the choices that a competitive market carries," Nixon said. "With this agreement, we will have two experienced Missouri owners to help maintain a healthy, competitive marketplace that will be in the best interest of the public."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818