Department Of Justice Approves Radio Merger

     The United States Department of Justice has approved the merger between Entercom Communications and CBS Radio. It is now up to the Federal Communications Commission to approve the merger.
     Shareholders from both companies will get together in two different meetings and are expected to approve the stock exchange between both corporations. It is expected that both organizations can be merged by November 17.
     It will have an effect locally on the two radio stations in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale region that run a sports talk format. Miami Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM of CBS Radio and Sports Talk 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM of Entercom Communications have been head-to-head competitors in the South Florida market since August 2004.
     It is expected that their will be no job cuts of on-air talent, producers, management and sales staff with the merger between both corporations. Neither station will change their on-air product of local shows and broadcast separate programming schedules.
     Both radio stations will continue their radio play-by-play broadcasting rights deals with local professional sports teams and colleges. 560 WQAM has the rights to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami football and basketball along with the Florida Panthers. 790 The Ticket has the rights to the Miami Heat and Florida International University football.