FCC Ready to Clear Disney Radio Sale

It’s been more than a year that the Federal Communications Commission has been evaluating the $2.7 billion spinoff of Walt Disney Co.’s radio group. Approval is expected to be made on Thursday. Citadel Broadcasting is the company buying the radio unit and they have had some very difficult violations that would need to be addressed, including paid-airtime from record producers and numerious other infrastructure issues.

The agency also must renew some expired Citadel radio licenses and sources close to the agency said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has likely reached an agreement that will allow the renewals and require Citadel to pay some small fines. With those renewals in place, the agency then can also approve the Disney deal. Along with Martin, the FCC’s two other Republican commissioners are believed to be ready to vote for the agreement—enough for a majority.