Radio’s New Owner/Entrepreneur

Former Radio One programming executive, Elroy Smith’s Integrity Radio Communications LLC has entered into an agreement to purchase FM translator W264BF, Englewood, IL from Calvary Radio Network for $4.6 million, the highest price paid for a translator. The station has a construction permit to increase from 2 to 10 watts on the Willis tower (the former Sears Tower) in Chicago. The sale application specifies Hubbard Broadcasting’s 100.3 WILV as originating station.

Elroy Smith spent fifteen years from 1992 until 2007 as Program Director of Clear Channel Urban 1075 WGCI. He also held Operations Manager duties and programmed Urban AC “V 103,” 102.7 WVAZ and Gospel “Inspiration 1390,” WGRB at time during his Chicago tenure. Smith then headed to Philadelphia as Operations Manager of Radio-One’s group of stations there and Inspirational format director successfully overseeing the company’s Gospel formatted stations until exiting the company earlier this year.

Cox Media’s Steve Crumbley, one of Elroy’s earliest mentors told me “Elroy became a member of the WILD (Boston) family during my tenure as PD and while he was a student at Emerson College. When BJ Stone currently of SiriusXM Radio, told me “we need to hire Elroy,” his legacy began from that day. Also, with African-American ownership shrinking daily, it is more exciting to add Elroy to the distinguished but short list of entrepreneurs. He’s still in control!

Word from the curb is more details will be released in the coming weeks as well as the possibility of the expansion of Integrity Radio Communications. Congrats Elroy!