Oakland A's trying to buy KTRB

The Oakland A's are actively trying to buy KTRB, their flagship 50,000-watt radio station, which recently went into receivership and now signs off the air every sundown.

The A's pursuit of the station is not exclusive--according to several broadcast observers, at least two-to-three serious players are also interested in purchasing the property, (860 AM on the dial), although even with enhanced tower maintenance, KTRB is difficult to hear in many parts of the Bay Area.

Various reports have the price tag of KTRB, (part of Pappas Broadcasting) at roughly $12 million, but that doesn't include debt assumption, which makes the real acquisition price significantly higher. KMPH, (another Pappas outlet) ceased operations September 1, 2010, and KTRB went into receivership with Comerica Bank two weeks later.

The A's, say insiders, are in active pursuit of their flagship Bay Area outlet, but are weary of outside investors who may overpay to buy the station given the scarcity of available dial-friendly outlets.

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