Two family-built New York broadcasters are coming together. Pamal Broadcasting, rooted in Albany since 1987, has agreed to acquire Ed Levine’s Galaxy Media and its Syracuse and Utica stations, stretching Pamal’s reach from the Hudson Valley into Central New York.
The deal covers Galaxy’s 10 radio stations in Syracuse and Utica. Terms were not disclosed, and the sale is pending FCC approval. Beginning October 1, Pamal will assume day-to-day management and programming oversight of the stations under a local marketing agreement while the transaction moves through regulatory review.
In August, Levine announced he would retire later this year after 36 years leading the company, with no successor named at the time.
Jim Morrell founded Pamal in 1987 as Albany Broadcasting with the purchase of WFLY and WPTR. The company also operates stations in Rutland, VT.
Pamal Broadcasting President and CEO Jim Morrell said, “We are very excited to add Galaxy’s team and stations to our company. We have had a few meetings with the Galaxy employees, and we are excited to work with them, learn from them, and continue in the strong tradition of supporting our communities, entertaining our listeners, and helping our advertising partners grow their businesses. With this addition, Pamal stations cover an enormous geography ranging from New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey, through the entire Hudson Valley to the Capital District, up to Lake George and now out through Utica and Syracuse. It truly is a great opportunity for us all.”
Levine commented, “I have been fortunate to live out a lifelong dream of mine for the past 36 years. Time and life march on! While I will miss Galaxy and Syracuse/Utica, I could not be happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting. They are a committed group of upstate broadcasters who share much of the same DNA as Galaxy. Congratulations to Jim Morrell and his team, and best wishes for a great future!”
