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Chapel Hill Media Group announced new ownership on Wednesday, Sept 16.
The parent company for 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com is now owned by a group of local investors with prior experience in the media and content industry.
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The ownership team — including John Stillman, Walter Storholt, Marc Killian, Aubrey Williams and David Staley — expresses a long-term commitment to the company’s mission and growth in the press release.
“Local media matters most when it is deeply connected to the community it serves,” said Williams, the company’s general manager on Chapelboro.com. “This transition ensures that our focus remains exactly where it has always been: on telling the stories of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County with authenticity, trust, and care.”
Operating since 1953, the broadcast and media production company is Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County’s source for local news and the flagship station for Tar Heel Sports. Williams plays a major role in the new management transition. She first worked at the station from 2003 to 2011 as a senior executive, before transitioning to general manager.
Although a new partner, Stillman isn’t new to working with Chapel Hill Media Group, the press release said. His firm Rosewood Wealth Management, based in Durham, has had a long relationship with the company and helps individuals and families build long-term financial security through retirement and legacy planning, the company’s website said.
He also brings journalistic knowledge through his broadcast journalism background and as co-founder of Third Wheel Media with another member of the new ownership, Killian, the press release says. The company, also based in Durham, produces audio and video marketing for businesses nationwide.
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Prior to the transition, Chris Ehrenfeld was the media company’s majority owner, alongside partners Jim Kitchen and Mark Vitali.
“This Morning with Aaron Keck,” on the company’s radio station, hosted Williams on Thursday, Sept 17, and discussed the transition for listeners and readers.
“Much of what has been built in the last decade is very much the way we like it, and the way we want it to continue to be, with local news being at the fore,” she said on air.
Under the new ownership, Williams will continue to oversee the company’s strategy, operations, and growth across broadcast, digital and community initiatives. The company also will explore growth opportunities across digital, audio and live experiences. Listeners and readers can expect no changes in programming, staff and mission per the company’s press release.
The News & Observer reached out to Chapel Hill Media Group and will update this story when a response is received.
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