Catholic radio network expands, buys Minneapolis station for $7 million

Minneapolis, Minn., Jan 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Minnesota Public Radio confirmed Jan. 23 that it is selling WMNN 1330 AM Minneapolis to a subsidiary of the leading operator of community Catholic radio stations.

Catholic Radio Update reported that Starboard Media purchased WMNN for $6.75 million. The new signal will be superior to the two smaller signals Starboard currently has serving the metropolitan area. The new WMNN will also accompany the new studios constructed by Starboard in the Twin Cities.

Two weeks earlier Starboard agreed to buy WAUR 930 AM Chicago from the old Catholic Radio Network for $3.5 million.

Starboard Network™ was founded in 2000 to establish community Catholic radio that gives people a greater understanding of their faith and helps them find answers to life’s challenges. The station’s mandate includes helping people bridge the gap between their faith and everyday life.

Currently, Starboard Network has 14 stations, including four stations in the top 25 markets. It also syndicates programming to affiliated stations throughout the U.S. and provides live streaming audio via the Web at www.relevantradio.com.

As of Jan. 25, there are 128 Catholic radio stations in the U.S.; only 79 are on the air.