Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Media: Citadel and Disney to merge

Citadel Broadcasting Corp. has agreed to merge its radio operations with Walt Disney Co.'s ABC Radio in a $2.7 billion deal that will create America's third-largest radio group.

Disney will combine its 22 ABC radio stations and the ABC Radio Network with Citadel's more than 200 FM and AM stations. Disney shareholders will own about 52% of Citadel, while Citadel shareholders control the remaining 48%.

Disney will also retain ESPN Radio and Radio Disney.