Talk is expected to replace nostalgia on one of Pittsburgh's oldest radio stations, said an executive of its former owner.
Renda Broadcasting vice president of operations Alan C. Serena said Monday that his company had closed on the $1 million sale of WJAS-1320 to Radio Partners LLC, owned by former Beaver County station owner Frank Iorio.
“Shortly, (Iorio) will move WJAS into his own facilities, where he is expected to flip the format to talk,” Serena said. “We wish Mr. Iorio much success.”
The new owner said it might be “a little bit yet” before a format change can occur.
“I'm absolutely swamped in stuff,” Iorio said.
A flip to talk would bring an end to a music format dating back nearly three decades. Serena said it also would mean the end of an era for morning host Jack Bogut, who previously had worked at KDKA-1020 and old WTAE-1250, and midday host Bill Cardille, a former WIIC and WPXI-11 personality.
Iorio formerly owned WBVP-1230 and WMBA-1460 in Beaver County. He has other broadcast properties in Warren and Cambria counties.
Pat Cloonan is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1967, or pcloonan@tribweb.com.
