HOUSTON, Texas (May 19, 2022) – Leadership from Hope Media Group, home to one of Houston’s top radio stations KSBJ, and WAY Media have announced the official close of their merger into a single media organization, headquartered in Houston.
This merger combines the rich heritage of two like-minded organizations, who together engage an audience of more than 4 million individuals worldwide with positive multimedia content over radio and online mediums.
The merger received a unanimous vote in January from each organization’s board of directors. Now operating as Hope Media Group, KSBJ and the WayFM network will continue to serve their respective audiences under the existing brand names. It was a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction.
“We’re thrilled to officially join forces with Way Media to expand our combined impact,” said Joe Paulo, President/CEO of the merged entity. “This merger is much more than a business matter. Aligning our efforts is a positive shift within Christian media to create and share uplifting content that encourages and inspires audiences across the country. We could not be more excited for this next chapter as our media brands continue to be a beacon of Hope for all.”
WAY Media’s former interim CEO Tim Dukes serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group. “Our vision is to integrate the best of both ministries to enhance our impact for the cause of Christ,” said Dukes. “As we advance God’s kingdom together as Hope Media Group, we look forward to continuing to serve our existing audiences with excellence.”
“The newly merged entity combines leadership from both organizations creating an ideal team eager for the challenge to impact a much broader group of listeners,” concluded Paulo. Key priorities include programming, development, media operations and innovation. The senior leadership team will consist of:
Joe Paulo, President & CEO
Tim Dukes, Chief Operating Officer
Desiree Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer
Ron Harrell, Chief of Programming
Jim Marshall, Chief of Media Operations
Elaine Welcome, Chief of Administration/General Manager – Houston
Shawn Farrington, Chief of Innovation
Paul Martin, Chief of Development
The newly merged Hope Media Group brings together two organizations with a combined 75 years of ministry and media experience, beginning in 1982 with KSBJ/Houston and 1987 with WAYJ/Fort Myers. To learn more, visit www.hopemediagroup.com/merger.
About Hope Media Group:
Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others and spread hope through radio, events, online content and mobile apps. Headquartered in Houston, the brands include Houston-focused KSBJ, the national network of WayFM stations, the new Spanish Christian station “Vida Unida”, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Waynation.com, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), HOPE ON DEMAND and Amen: The Prayer App, plus a concert and event brand, Special Events. Click here to learn more about the ministry.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Hope Media Group.)
