Clear Channel Interested In ABC?

In an interview on Thursday (June 30) with Marketwatch.com's David B. Wilkerson, Clear Channel Communications CEO John Hogan said his company would be interested in acquiring ABC Radio -- if, in fact, group owner Disney Media Networks intends to sell off its 72 owned-and-operated stations.

In the Bay Area, Disney/ABC owns ratings champ KGO/810, as well as KSFO/560 and KMKY/1310.

"We have, and will continue to have, a very keen interest in improving our portfolio," Hogan told Marketwatch.com. "There are a number of stations that Disney owns that we could very easily add to our existing portfolio, and do very well with."

If the ABC stations are for sale, and if Clear Channel should acquire them, the new owner would have to do some balancing of its local portfolio, as it would be over its limit of stations in the Bay region. Currently, Clear Channel owns KIOI (Star 101.3), KQKE (960 The Quake), KISQ (98.1 KISS FM), KKSF/103.7, KMEL/106.1, KNEW/910 and KYLD (Wild 94.9) in the San Francisco/Oakland market, and KCNL (Channel 104.9), KSJO (92.3 La Preciosa) and KUFX (98.5 KFOX) in the Southbay.

KGO, considered one of the gaudiest jewels in ABC Radio's crown -- it has been top of the heap for more than 100 consecutive ratings books -- would be an attractive acquisition for any company, and would make casting off any other property a no-brainer.

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