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Zephyr’s sister stations sold

Cliff Thompson

AVON – The parent company of Avon’s KZYR has sold its Aspen and Steamboat Springs radio stations to Radio America Ltd., a Maryland-based company.”The acquisition of these stations is the beginning of a radio group that we hope to grow in the region,” said Bill Merriam, president of Radio America. “We are very excited to acquire these strong local radio stations in Colorado’s mountain resorts and communities.”Cool Radio LLC will continue to broadcast its flagship KZYR out of Avon, said Tony Mauro, general manager. Owner Tom Dobrez said the Avon station isn’t for sale.”I anticipate owning it forever and expanding our offering to the marketplace,” Dobrez said. “I’m a big fan of the Vail Valley.”Dobrez decided to sell to take advantage of an opportunity he said was at the right time and with the “right people” The new owners of the Aspen and Steamboat Springs stations don’t anticipate making many changes, Merriam said. “All three of these stations have developed a strong link to their communities over the years and we have no intention of changing this legacy,” Merriam said. “We believe radio stations need to be heavily involved in local communities and it is radio’s job to be at the center of community life and information and entertain.”In the 1980s Merriam was instrumental in building Turner Broadcasting System into a worldwide entertainment network, serving as vice president of operations for Ted Turner.No sales price was disclosed and, pending Federal Communications Commission approval, that sale is expected to be completed next month.Staff Writer Cliff Thompson can be reached at 949-0555, ext. 450, or cthompson@vaildaily.com.Vail, Colo.


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