Civic Media

Civic Media
Company typePrivate
IndustryMass media
GenreRadio broadcasting
Founded2022 (2022)
Founder
  • Mike Crute
  • Sage Weil
Headquarters,
United States
Key people
Sage Weil (President/CEO)
Websitecivicmedia.us

Civic Media is an American radio broadcasting company based in Madison, Wisconsin. The company currently owns 28 stations across Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.[1]

History

The company was formed in 2022 by Mike Crute and Sage Weil.[2] On September 13, they acquired WSCM and WBZH from Zoe Communications.[3] On September 23, it was announced that Civic would acquire WZBU and translator from Metro North Communications, Inc.,[4] and the sale was consummated on January 17, 2023.

In 2023, Civic acquires WCQM and WPFP from The Marks Group for $210,000.[5]

In November 2024, Civic announced they would acquire another station from Zoe Communications (WHSM-FM and its translator) for $360,000.[6]

In February 2025, it was announced that Civic would acquire another station from Zoe Communications (WELY) for $70,000.[7]

In April 2025, Civic announced a new weekday lineup for its radio stations.[8] Also the same month, Civic announced they would be purchasing WRPN and WAUH from Hometown Broadcasting LLC for $1.4 million.[9]

In July 2025, Civic announced they would acquire five stations in Michigan (WIMI, WJMS, WKMJ-FM, WMPL, and WUPY) for $1.55 million.[10][11]

In September 2025, Civic announced they would buy WZTI from Milwaukee Radio Alliance (a partnership between Times-Shamrock Communications and All-Pro Broadcasting), as well as FM translators W262CJ and W297BY for $465,000.[12][13]

In December 2025, Civic announced they would buy WNOV, making it their first Black-owned radio station acquisition, as well as buying the Milwaukee Courier newspaper for $1.4 million.[14][15]

Radio stations

City/market Stations[1] Frequency
Amery, Wisconsin WLAK 1260 AM
BaldwinWisconsin Dells, Wisconsin WSCM 95.7 FM
Baraboo, Wisconsin WRPQ 740 AM
Berlin, Wisconsin WISS 1100 AM
Chippewa FallsEau Claire, Wisconsin WCFW 105.7 FM
ColumbusMadison, Wisconsin WMDX 1580 AM
DenmarkGreen Bay, Wisconsin WGBW 1590 AM
Ely, Minnesota WELY 1450 AM
GreenfieldMilwaukee, Wisconsin WZTI 1290 AM
Hancock, Michigan WMPL 920 AM
WKMJ-FM 93.5 FM
Hayward, Wisconsin WBZH 910 AM
WHSM-FM 101.1 FM
Ironwood, Michigan WJMS 590 AM
WIMI 99.7 FM
JacksonMilwaukee, Wisconsin WAUK 540 AM
La Crosse, Wisconsin WLCX 1490 AM
Milwaukee, Wisconsin WNOV 860 AM
NekoosaWausau, Wisconsin WIRI 105.5 FM
New HolsteinAppleton, Wisconsin WZBU 1520 AM
Ontonagon, Michigan WUPY 101.1 FM
Park Falls, Wisconsin WPFP 980 AM
WCQM 98.3 FM
RacineMilwaukee, Wisconsin WRJN 1400 AM
Richland Center, Wisconsin WRCE 1450 AM
WRCO-FM 100.9 FM
Ripon, Wisconsin WRPN 1600 AM
Wausau, Wisconsin WXCO 1230 AM
Wautoma, Wisconsin WAUH 102.3 FM
Wisconsin RapidsWausau, Wisconsin WFHR 1320 AM

References

  1. ^ a b "Civic Media - All Stations". Civic Media. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  2. ^ Nelson, Len (December 5, 2024). "Civic Media Puts More 'Local' Back into Wisconsin Radio". The Shepherd Express. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  3. ^ Venta, Lance (September 13, 2022). "Civic Media Acquires Western Wisconsin Trio". RadioInsight. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  4. ^ "Civic Media Acquires Green Bay/Appleton Pair; Launches Two More Liberal Talkers Across Wisconsin". RadioInsight. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  5. ^ Venta, Lance (June 7, 2023). "Civic Media Acquires Two More In Wisconsin". RadioInsight. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  6. ^ Jacobson, Adam (November 25, 2024). "Civic Media Grabs A Wisconsin FM". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  7. ^ Jacobson, Adam (February 20, 2025). "Civic Media Expands To Minnesota With Second Zoe Deal". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  8. ^ "Revamped News/Talk On-Air Lineup Heads For Civic Media". InsideRadio. April 16, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  9. ^ "Civic Media Expands In Wisconsin With WRPN, WAUH". InsideRadio. April 18, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  10. ^ Kevin, Carter (July 1, 2025). "Civic Media Expands Into Michigan's U.P." RAMP - Radio and Music Pros. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  11. ^ "Civic Media Expands Into Michigan With Five-Station Purchase". InsideRadio. July 1, 2025. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  12. ^ Carter, Kevin (September 10, 2025). "Civic Media Buys MRA's Remaining Assets". RAMP - Radio and Music Pros. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  13. ^ Venta, Lance (September 9, 2025). "Civic Media Acquires Remainder Of Milwaukee Radio Alliance". RadioInsight. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  14. ^ Ellis, Jon (December 17, 2025). "Civic Media Buys Fourth Milwaukee-Area AM Radio Station (Updated) –". Northpine. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  15. ^ Jacobson, Adam (December 30, 2025). "Price Revealed In Civic's WNOV Acquisition Plan". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved February 23, 2026.