Soaring Eagle and River Radio Ministries Plan Merger

Soaring Eagle Promotions, owner of WSOH/Bellefontaine, OH (Rise FM) announced on the station website today that it plans to merge with River Radio Ministries of Columbus, WCVO/Columbus (104.9 The River). Rise FM and The River both plan to flip to all Christmas music Friday 11/29 when the merger will take place.

Rise FM stations will become The River. WSOH was know as Shine FM until Dec 2021 when it adopted Rise FM.

Rise FM founder/GM Mark Boyer says the merger is not for financial reasons, “Even though the last three years have been more challenging because of inflation, God has continued to provide for our needs.  We can accomplish more for the Kingdom by merging our resources, our connections, and the talents of our employees.”

River Road Signals                      Rise FM Signals
89.3 in Chillicothe                                            91.1 in Ashland
104.9 in Columbus                                          88.9 in Bellefontaine
90.9 in Lancaster                                             90.1 in Canton
88.5 in Logan (coming in 2025)                    88.7 in Findlay
89.3 in Newark                                                 88.5 in Kenton
104.5 in Wooster                                             90.7 in Mansfield
960 AM/102.9 in Wooster                              88.9 in Tiffin

With the merger the group will have 15 signals total.

Boyer says he reached out RRM CEO Bill Montgomery in September 2023 when he sensed the Lord leading him to ask, “Are we better together? Is this what is best for God’s Kingdom? After many months of discussion and prayer, we determined the answer to both questions was a strong “YES.” Together, we can accomplish more for the Kingdom. We can take the strengths of both our ministries and make a greater Kingdom Impact throughout Ohio. Together, we will continue to provide our listeners spiritual encouragement, build partnerships in the community, and see lives transformed by the Gospel message. We will continue to serve you with a message of hope, outstanding music, and terrific concerts.”

Boyer says most of the Soaring Eagle Promotions employees will keep the jobs in similar positions, but didn’t mention which ones.
In August this year WSOH Operations Director/Morning Show Host Angie Vertucci exited after 10 years with the station.

The programming will be managed by River Radio Ministries, Soaring Eagle Promotions will continue to oversee the annual Rock The Lake concert in August and RiverFest in June.