A Media Broker Can Assist YOU!

Almost every independent radio or TV station owner goes through many ups and downs when contemplating the sale of their broadcast operation.  The station(s) may have been in the family for many years and likely have become a significant voice in the community.  And, in most cases, the station(s) serve as a deep source of pride to its owner(s).

Major concerns immediately take over when an owner makes the decision to sell.  How can I keep my plans confidential from employees, from the community, from competitors? What is my operation worth? How do I find a qualified buyer who will operate my station(s) responsibly? What are the financial considerations of different deal structures? Perhaps, most importantly, how do I get from here to there successfully without consuming all of my valuable time?

Yes, there are those who choose to sell their assets themselves. But there is a personal toll to pay, and the benefits of  hiring a media broker will far outweigh any disadvantages.

1. A media broker will minimize the time and energy demands on an owner/operator whose expertise lies elsewhere and whose schedule is already over-booked.
   
2. Most full-service brokers charge a single-digit commission percentage that is paid only upon successful completion of the transaction.
   
3. Included in those services is a professional assessment of your broadcast operation and its likely market value, how to prepare your property for a sale and who the most likely buyers are.
   
4. A reputable media broker prepares an offering memorandum based on a profile of your operation, supported by materials ownership provides, including financial information, sample copies, rate cards, equipment lists, employee information and marketing/demographic materials.
   
5. A broker's work does not end with the procurement of a buyer. Perhaps the most critical stage in a broadcast operation sale comes after a buyer has been identified, when a broker must use all of his experience and negotiating expertise.
   
6. The broker can work around potential obstacles such as deal-structuring or personality conflicts, to review documents and assist with due diligence as a third set of eyes, to provide expert advice or creative solutions to an impasse.
   
7. His or her service as an intermediary can help inexperienced sellers avoid the pitfalls of today's often complex transactions and even prevent a promising deal from derailing over a misunderstanding or a clash of personalities.
   
8. Reputable media brokers usually advertise regularly in trade publications, and their credits can be found in published lists of year-end transactions.
   
9. General business brokers and real estate professionals may have expertise in their fields but very likely do not have knowledge or experience of the complex workings of the Federal Communications Commission, and market forces involved in the sale of broadcasting properties.
   
10. Many brokers come from broadcast backgrounds, and this experience can prove to be extremely valuable throughout the sale process.
    

For a complete list of available Media Brokers -- see the RadioTVDeals' Media Broker Directory.