The Best of the Best Combined – Ouachita Broadcasting & Pulse Merge

[MENA, Ark.] A merger of two local media outlets was announced today that will be the first of its kind in the local area. Ouachita Broadcasting, Inc. [MENA RADIO] and The Polk County Pulse have announced a deal to merge their two operations into one. Ouachita Broadcasting includes KENA-FM 104.1, KQOR-FM 105.3, and 1450AM. The Polk County Pulse includes the weekly print newspaper as well as an online publication, MyPulseNews.com and live-streaming video through MyPulseNews TV.

The combined operation will now allow advertisers to have a very simplified manner in which to purchase radio, print, web, and video all through one source. “Instead of multiple sales reps, advertisers will have one marketing specialist to handle all of their advertising needs, one payment, one place… all strategically working together, building a consistent message and brand, thereby, giving businesses the most out of their advertising dollars,” said LeAnn Dilbeck, who will continue to serve as Publisher and now General Manager over the combined operation. All the same faces you know from both the Pulse and radio will remain and all are looking forward to being able to better serve their customers’ needs and our readers and listening audience as well.   “We strongly believe this merger will allow us to deliver stronger and more comprehensive news coverage and community service opportunities for our area. I’ve been impressed with the great products that LeAnn and her talented staff provide. The growth they’ve experienced over the past few years has been truly remarkable. Of course, everyone knows about the rich heritage and tradition that KENA has been known for since 1950. So we’re excited that our listeners, readers, viewers, and advertisers now have easy access to all the best of the best!” said owner Jay Bunyard. “Even items for the calendar,” said Dilbeck, “can be streamlined. Email or drop off to one source and they will be announced on-air, printed in the Pulse newspaper, and online at MyPulseNews.com.”

Ouachita Broadcasting, namely KENA, has been serving the local community for over 65-years. Nielsen ratings prove KENA-FM to be the radio station of choice to begin everyone’s day with an average listenership of 7,600. KQOR-FM has an average audience share of 4,900. The Polk County Pulse began in August 2007, circulating 4,000 print copies and in just 8 years, has now grown to 8,000 print and an average of 24,000 online readers.

The merger is said to be complete by June 1.

For now, both operations will continue to operate in separate locations. Phone numbers and emails will remain the same.

“We want to keep everyone connected and while some like to listen, others like to read, and by saturating the market with our coverage, we plan to continue to be an integral and active part of our local area,” said Dilbeck. “We have lots of exciting things planned and want the community to be a part of it all. Join us as we celebrate May 29 at The Pulse’s office at 1168 Hwy 71 South with free hot dogs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and KENA 104.1 will be doing a live remote! Come meet the familiar faces and maybe meet some new ones!”

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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