Backyard Broadcasting Holdings

About Backyard Broadcasting Holdings

Backyard Broadcasting operates as a radio broadcasting entity focused on owning and managing radio stations in small to medium-sized markets within the United States. The company was established in 2002, emerging from the assets of the former Sabre Communications. Initially, it was owned by private equity firms Boston Ventures Management and Pacific Corporate Group, with Barry Drake, a seasoned executive from Sinclair Broadcast Group, at the helm. The business model centers on acquiring and operating clusters of radio stations, generating revenue through local and national advertising.

Starting in the early 2010s, Backyard Broadcasting began a process of strategic divestment of its properties. In November 2012, its radio stations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were sold to Midwest Communications. This was followed by the sale of its Indiana stations to the newly formed Woof Boom Radio in April 2013. Subsequently, Community Broadcasters, LLC acquired the company's assets in the Southern Tier of New York. These transactions left the company with a single station cluster in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This remaining cluster was later sold, first to Daniel Farr and then to Van A. Michael in 2019, with both subsequent owners utilizing variations of the Backyard Broadcasting name. A 2013 deal for seven stations, including WILQ (FM), WLMY (FM), and WWPA (AM), was valued at $5.5 million.

The current iteration, Backyard Broadcasting of Pennsylvania, LLC, is headed by Van A. Michael and operates a portfolio of radio stations in Pennsylvania. The station cluster includes formats such as country, rock, classic hits, and Top 40 across various frequencies like WILQ-FM 105.1, WZXR 99.3 & 103.7, and WBZD-FM 93.3. The company engages its audience through terrestrial radio, live streaming via a mobile app, and podcasts that feature local events and interviews. The business serves local communities in and around the Susquehanna Valley by providing music, local information, and a marketing platform for advertisers.