Station swaps give Univision Radio a Big Stick in NYC.

New York Times Company has entered into an agreement with subsidiaries of Univision Radio Inc. and with WNYC Radio for the sale of WQXR-FM, its New York City radio station for a total of $45 million. 

Univision Radio will pay the Times Company $33.5 million to exchange the FCC 105.9 FM broadcast license and transmitting equipment for the Times Company’s license, equipment and stronger signal at 96.3 FM.  At the same time, WNYC Radio will purchase the FCC license for 105.9 FM, all related transmitting equipment and WQXR’s call letters and Web site from the Times Company for $11.5 million.  Univision Radio will retain the WCAA call letters.
 
As a result of this transaction, Univision Radio will transition WCAA 105.9 FM to 96.3 FM, providing the Spanish-language operator with expanded coverage and enhancing its service to the growing New York Hispanic demographic.  WNYC will operate WQXR-FM on 105.9 FM and continue to serve the vast majority of its current audience as a listener-supported public station dedicated to classical music.
 
Gary Stone, president and COO of Univision Radio said, “This transaction provides the Hispanic population of New York and the surrounding area with more diversity in music, entertainment and news, while classical music will continue to have a home.”