Sen. Hutchinson Buys A Radio Station

KEWI (690 AM), the main radio station in Saline County – will soon be under new ownership as Benton based Saline River Media LLC has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to purchase the radio station. The new ownership will take over on November 1st on a lease management agreement pending government approval of the transaction.

The primary owner will be well-known radio executive Grant Merrill of Bryant, but perhaps more interesting is State Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, who is completing his first term representing Saline and Pulaski County in Arkansas District 22.

“We are proud to be bringing a completely local media approach to Saline County. The people of this area need to continue to have a broadcast outlet and we aim to provide them with more local information than they will find anywhere else.” Merrill said. “We’re confident the 107,000 people in this county will be pleased with our product.”

“I am proud to be a part of an organization that will create jobs for our area and be a beacon of community service for its listeners. We’re ready to go to work and continue the long legacy left by Jim and Deegy Landers.” Hutchinson said. “There is a great need for what we are doing here and we will strive to do what is right for our listeners and advertisers.”

Jim Landers is best known as the voice of the Benton Panthers calling their football games for decades. The 75-year old announced this year will be his last, handing over the reins to Shane Knight who currently calls the play-by-play.  Landers worked in sports broadcasting at numerous television stations in Arkansas before purchasing KEWI 16 years ago.

The station will continue to broadcast at its current dial position of 690 AM; however, Saline River Media has also filed to purchase an FM signal that will rebroadcast KEWI twenty four hours a day.

The transaction is expected to close in less than sixty days.