Open Letter to the Community From Kaspar Media

Kaspar Media is entering into an exciting new chapter.  After much thought and prayer, Kaspar Media has decided to sell WSHW “Shine 99” to Olivet Nazarene University based in Bourbonnais, Illinois near Kankakee. We have included some of the background for you in the attached press release.

 

The bottom line is this is a transaction that has NOTHING to do with WILO 1570, WILO 96.9 FM in Frankfort/Delphi, WILO 102.7 in Lebanon, Clinton County Daily News, Boone County Daily News, Hoosierland TV, our Big Deals Store Platform, or our 5200 square foot media center on Barner Street in Frankfort.

 

We are as committed as ever to make these local core channels and platforms all they can be…and we are committed, with your help and support, to serve the area with great content across these platforms:

 

 

None of us is an island. We know our ability to serve the area well depends on like-minded, committed stakeholders like you.

 

We may not have all the answers for each and every step in our path forward but know we are committed to our community. We do hope you will partner with us in this next important chapter for us all.

 

We are “Doubling Down on Local” and, in some ways, this change will enable a stronger, brighter focus on this kind of service.

 

Let us brainstorm with you on all the ways we can help you reach your goals. We will put all our resources toward that end to help us all have a better future…together.

 

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Press Release:

Kaspar Media Announces Agreement to Sell 50,000 Watt Shine 99 to Olivet Nazarene University

For Immediate Release

Tuesday March 7, 2023 

Kaspar Media today announced an agreement to sell its 50,000 watt North-Central Indiana Radio Station WSHW “Shine 99” to Olivet Nazarene University based in Bourbonnais, Illinois, pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

 “Our history with Olivet started in the late 1980’s when I met Dr. Les Parrott, President of Olivet at the time. I talked with Dr. Parrott for about 20 minutes about the radio station Olivet was rebuilding in the Kankakee area to expand its radio outreach. I gave him permission to use the “Shine” name for Olivet’s WONU radio station expansion” said Russ Kaspar, President, CEO and General Manager of WSHW Shine 99. 

WSHW was one of the first FM Radio Stations to serve the area as WILO-FM in 1962.  An early pioneer of internet technology, Shine 99 was likely the first station in Indiana to have an internet web presence, first posting its logo and station information and promotion on the internet in 1995.

Russ Kaspar’s father and mother, Vern and Lillian Kaspar came to Frankfort, Indiana in 1959. The Kaspar Family built radio properties in Indiana and Missouri. “I am honored Olivet has decided to install a permanent tribute to my mother, Lillian Kaspar, who came up with the ‘Shine 99’ name in 1981.”

Shine 99’s “Scott and Cindy” have started the day on a high note for listeners from Wabash to Crawfordsville, Lebanon to Rochester for many years. Kaspar said “I am very proud of each of our team members who have given so much to Shine 99.  It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of such a great group of dedicated broadcasters. Kaspar Media will continue to expand its remaining platforms and serve the area communities with innovative ideas and vital content.”

Olivet owns and operates 7 radio stations throughout Illinois, Indiana and Michigan and continues to expand its Shine.FM brand with the acquisition of WSHW connecting their Chicago area Shine.FM signal to their Indianapolis Shine.FM signal. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue the broadcast legacy of the Kaspar family,” says Brian McIntyre Utter, director of the Olivet Media Group. “We anticipate great years ahead of encouraging North-Central Indiana families through the ministry of Shine.FM.”

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 140 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet’s 275-acre park-like main campus is in Bourbonnais, Illinois, 45 miles south of Chicago. Additionally, the Graduate and Continuing Studies offers online education. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year through study abroad opportunities, internships and worldwide mission trips. 

 Kaspar said “Little did I know a 20-minute conversation in the 1980’s with the President of Olivet Nazarene University would lead to this match made in heaven. I wish Olivet and Shine.FM the very best as they strive to help make ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’.  I am pleased WSHW/Shine.FM will present strong family values and an uplifting presence throughout the large Shine 99 region. 

 The sale will close once the transaction receives approval from the FCC. Kaspar Media will retain WILO 1570, WILO 96.9 FM Frankfort/Delphi, WILO 102.7 FM in Lebanon, Clinton County Daily News, Boone County Daily News, Hoosierland TV, Kaspar Media’s 5,200 square foot media center in Frankfort and its Big Deals Store platforms.