Horne Broadcasting LLC buying Hog Radio Inc. for $3.42 million

Hog Radio Inc., a group of four radio stations based in Springdale, is in the process of changing owners.

Horne Broadcasting LLC, led by Candace Dixon-Horne, said it will pay $3.42 million for radio stations 96.7 The Coyote (country), Star 101.5 (classic hits), ESPN 99.5 (sports talk), and Lite 106.5 (adult variety). ESPN also has a simulcast on 1290-AM KUOA that is part of the deal.

Dixon-Horne is the general manager of the stations. She said the deal should close early next year, pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“I am very excited to expand my radio broadcasting career into ownership and to continue to grow Hog Radio and our four formats here in Northwest Arkansas,” she said. “Being able to keep this group of local stations together as a group was very important to me.”

The stations are now owned by Bunyard Media Group, owned by De Queen businessman Jay Bunyard.

“We’re excited that Candace will have this opportunity,” Bunyard said. “Candace has done a great job for us as general manager. She’s a radio veteran and well-connected in the area. We know she’ll continue serving the Northwest Arkansas listeners and clients in a very professional manner for many years to come.”

In December, Dixon-Horne, a Fayetteville native, will mark four years as general manager with Hog Radio. She’s worked in Northwest Arkansas’ radio industry since January 1998, beginning with privately held Hochman Communications. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas.

“I have seen this area continue to grow, and local businesses are needing now more than ever an affordable mass media to utilize with their marketing,” she said. “Hog Radio offers that, and we will continue to strive to super serve the local business community and the nonprofits in our area.”

Hog Radio has roughly 15 employees. Some of the radio group’s most popular shows include “Brock and Marci in the Morning” on 101.5, sports talk with “Ruscin and Zach” in the afternoons on 99.5 and Mark “Haystack” Wells in the afternoons on 96.7.