CONWAY — “The torch is being passed.”

That was the statement of Ron Frizzell in assessing the transfer of Mt. Washington Radio Group — local radio stations WMWV 93.5-FM, Magic 104 and Easy Listening 95.3 FM — to Keith Murray, 58, of Tilton.

The pending transfer of ownership follows the death of station owner Greg Frizzell, 54, in October. Ron and Greg had purchased the stations from former longtime owners Joan and Skip Sherman in 2001.

Frizzell said Murray will lease the stations under an agreement transacted this past Friday, Nov. 22, on Dec. 1 plans to file an application of an intent to buy the stations with the Federal Communications Commission, a process that could take up to 90 days.

“Keith is a great fit for the stations, very community-focused. We are passing the torch that was given to us by Skip and Joan Sherman and we know the stations will be in good hands. We wanted a good community broadcaster. I could have sold to larger corporate owners, just as Skip could have – I know this is what Skip and Joan, and Greg, would have wanted,” said Frizzell in a phone interview from his second home in Florida.

The new management and pending ownership was announced by Frizzell on the airwaves Tuesday morning.

He read the following statement, which was to air several times on Tuesday:

“Hi, I’m Ron Frizzell who with my son, Greg, nearly a quarter century ago became the owners and custodians of the three stations of the Mt Washington Radio Group. They were passed to us by people everybody knew, Skip and Joan Sherman.

“When the Shermans sought retirement, their greatest goal was to make sure the new caretakes were individual locally oriented people, not out of state broadcast groups. With that promise to Skip and Joan, Greg and I became the proud owners and operators of the valley’s treasured stations WMWV, MAGIC-104 and Easy 95.3 FM. Greg had been the owner since 2010 and always held to the promise of community first. With Greg’s passing, it’s now time to pass the torch once again and keeping to our promise to Skip and Joan and you, the community, I personally sought out an individual New Hampshire owner. We were blessed to have found such a person. He’s a qualified business person who has worked in radio all his life and is dedicated to local broadcasting and the needs of Mt Washington Valley. And to the many businesses who have advertised with us over the years my sincere thank you and we hope you will continue with the new ownership. That keeps radio local here in the valley and also supports the many non-profit organizations who depend on our help. People of Mt Washington Valley, I would like to introduce you to Keith Murray.”

Murray during his art of the taped message outlined his past experience and his goals.

“When I began my radio career nearly 40 years ago,” said Murray, ” I never dreamed of being an owner. To me, this is the fulfillment of more than a dream. It’s an opportunity to build on a legacy of community focused broadcasting. I intend on continuing the legacy of the past local ownership groups and honoring the memory of Greg and the traditions of Skip and Joan Sherman. I will be completely immersed in the operation of the station and committed to our staff, our advertisers and the community.

“I view myself as a custodian really and not an owner,” added Murray. “We will continue to deliver the best music, entertainment, information and news that the valley has come to know. We will improve where we can and always strive to do what’s best for our community. Change is inevitable in life but one thing will remain the same: Local ownership with a focus on community. I am here for the long haul and really look forward to meeting everyone and to being the next chapter for our beloved stations under Conway Broadcasting! ”

Tilton has a long career in the radio business and in an interview held after the station’s successful 23rd Vaughan Radio Food Drive last Wednesday, told the Sun he is looking forward to “caretaking” the popular local stations. (The food drive raised nearly $70,000 for the Vaughan Food Pantry and was held in honor of Greg, who founded it in 2002 after he and his father purchased the stations in 2001).

“I have been in commercial radio for 40 years in all aspects, including financing. I never imagined myself being a radio station owner but this opportunity presented itself. I am looking forward to it,” said Murray, who said he grew up in the Lakes Region and has been a frequent visitor to the valley and that he will be moving to Mount Washington Valley.

“I asked myself if this was a challenge I was willing to take on, and it is,” said Murray. “My goal is to prioritize the buckets I want to do and take them one at a time. I have been a huge proponent of local radio and radio in general has suffered from that homogenization. I am a strong believer in community radio.”

He said he has been in talks with several past station personnel about possibly returning to the station. He did not name any names but in recent months local personalities Annie Provenzano and George Cleveland had left the staff – so, as they say, fellow local listeners, stay tuned.

For more, go to wmwv.com.

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