WHIZ-TV And Radio Sold To Marquee Broadcasting

WHIZ Media Group said Wednesday that it is selling its media properties in the Zanesville, Ohio, area to Marquee Broadcasting. This includes NBC affiliate WHIZ, founded in 1953, and four radio stations (WHIZ-AM and its FM translator; WHIZ-FM; and WZVL-FM). No price was disclosed.

Whiz Media President Hank Littick said: “In four generations our family has built a wonderful group of stations during our ownership starting in the print industry and migrating to electronic media. We have been blessed with a wonderful group of employees over the years, they are the heartbeat of everything we do. We were looking for a buyer that was committed to the family atmosphere we have fostered and serving the local communities. Marquee is committed to both, and we know we can trust them to carry on our legacy to the next chapter.”  Marquee CEO Patricia Lane said: “We are excited and privileged to build upon the great foundation that the Littick family built in southeast Ohio. The WHIZ family will be a perfect addition to the Marquee family of stations.”

Marquee, owned by Brian and Patricia Lane, also owns TV stations in Maryland, Georgia and Kentucky.

The sale is being submitted for FCC approval and closing is anticipated to occur later this year, Marquee said. Greg Guy of Patrick Communications served as the seller’s exclusive broker.