PMG Expands to Kaua‘i, Acquires KONG Radio

Pacific Media Group has purchased KONG Radio Group on the island of Kauaʻi from ‘Ohana Broadcast Company LLC—including stations KQNG 93.5 FM, KSHK Shaka 103.1 FM, KSRF 95.9 FM, KUAI 570 AM and 104.5 FM translator.

This marks an expanded presence for the locally-owned multi-media company, which already has six radio stations on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and six on Maui and another, as well as multiple digital media products (Big Island Now and Maui Now) and an exclusive contract with the State of Hawaiʻi to provide advertising services for the Neighbor Island airports with its subsidiary, Hawaiʻi Airport Advertising.

Chuck Bergson, CEO Pacific Media. PMG photo.

“We are growing our family,” said PMG President and CEO Chuck Bergson. “We’ve been looking at Kauaʻi for over 20 years as a growth opportunity and have had discussions over the years, but it was never quite right, until now.”

“KONG is the number one radio group on island, and we’re pleased with that and are excited about working together with the KONG team,” said Bergson.

“Like us, they believe in Live radio,” Bergson said after meeting with Kauaʻi station employees on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. They have good, strong, passionate people who are committed to the Kauaʻi community and love what they do.”

“It has been a real privilege to work with all the people at the KONG Radio Group,” said Terry Gillingham, regional vice president and general manager for the Hawaiʻi operations of ‘Ohana Broadcast Company. “Over the past few years, we have made significant gains and we feel that Pacific Media Group is the right company to take it from here; their operating philosophy is a good match for the people and operations of the Kauaʻi cluster.”

Bergson reflected upon his first visit to Kauaʻi in September 1992, when the company participated with other Maui community leaders to deliver a $26,000 check to the mayor as part of a Kōkua for Kauaʻi fundraising concert held on Maui featuring the likes of Kris Kristofferson and HAPA. During that visit, it was clear that the community appreciated the service that KONG provided in delivering key communication during and after Hurricane Iniki.

“KONG Radio Group dominates the market and a lot of that can be attributed to the dedicated coverage provided by Ron Wiley and the KONG team during Iniki,” said Bergson.

“Listeners have a favorite radio station and a ‘relationship’ with the DJ’s,” said Bergson. “While they may have a favorite TV shows, people don’t have a favorite television station. With radio, there is an intimate personal relationship and that’s what makes radio great. It all boils down to the people. We are tied and connected to the communities we serve, its Local.”

About Pacific Media Group

Pacific Media Group is a Hawai‘i-based media company with offices in Hilo, Kona and Kahului. PMG owns and operates 12 radio stations, BigIslandNow.com, MauiNow.com, HawaiiAirportAdvertising.com and multiple website, app and digital radio products.

Hawaiʻi Island stations include: KAPA 99.1 FM (Kona) and 100.3 FM (Hilo and Kaʻū); The Beat 95.9 FM (Hilo) and 93.9 FM (Kona), KBIG 97.9 FM (Hilo) and 106.1 FM (Kona).

Maui stations include: KPOA 93.5 FM; KLHI HI92 92.5 FM; KJKS 99.9 Kiss FM; KJMD Da Jam 98.3 FM; KNUI Bloomberg 550 AM; and KMVI ESPN 900 AM.