Citadel Communications has been revealed as the stalking horse bidder at WLNE. The company has submitted a bid of $4 million for the station. Court-appointed receiver Matthew McGowan released the name of the company at a meeting today with station employees. He stated that Citadel was chosen as the lead bidder because they are “established, successful and financially secure.”
Citadel Communications currently owns four television stations in the mid west and has offices in New York and Las Vegas. If their bid is successful, WLNE will be in the largest market that the company owns a station in. Their other stations, three ABC affiliates and a CBS affil, are solid performers in their respective markets. Other bidders have until March 18th to submit a bid, and the station will be auctioned off on March 22nd.
This is not to be confused with Citadel Broadcasting, the radio station operator. btvn has learned of the difference and will specify the two companies in the future.
“their other stations are solid performers”, have you looked at the ratings, specifically NEWS ratings in those markets? They’re a LAUGHINGSTOCK and starve the stations of resources. Their reputation is well known throughout the business and nobody with any talent or other option wants to work for them. Pray for the employees at WLNE!