News-Press & Gazette Acquires KEYT Santa Barbara

Smith Media deals Central Coast ABC affiliate

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/7/2012 12:49:08 PM

News-Press & Gazette (NPG) has agreed to purchase KEYT Santa Barbara, an ABC affiliate, from Smith Media. Terms of the deal, which requires regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

"We look forward to operating a top-flight station serving the Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo communities and advancing their interests in this beautiful part of the country," said David Bradley, NPG chairman and CEO.

KEYT, airing in DMA No. 122, has about 50 employees. It pulled in an estimated $6.1 million in 2011, according to BIA/Kelsey, good for second in the market.

Smith Media has had the station since 1987.

"We have greatly valued the opportunity to serve the communities of California's Central Coast," said Michael Granados, general manager of KEYT and CEO of Smith Media. "Fortunately, this transaction will pass on this great asset and a dedicated group of talented employees to a new owner also committed to local service and broadcast excellence."

Earlier this summer, News-Press & Gazette agreed to acquire KMIZ-KQFX Columbia (Mo.) from JW Broadcasting for $16 million.