K-Love owner EMF Expands with Spanish-Language Acquisition

Educational Media Foundation (EMF), a media powerhouse with over $1.1 billion in assets, is set to acquire Radio Nueva Vida, a Spanish-language Christian radio network, from the Association for Community Education (ACE).

“EMF and Radio Nueva Vida parent ACE announced the agreement on December 12,” the press release stated. Under the non-cash deal, which requires FCC approval, EMF will become ACE’s sole member and effectively incorporate Radio Nueva Vida and its existing staff as a subsidiary.

The acquisition includes four California stations and about 60 translators, expanding EMF’s reach into the Hispanic Christian radio market. Fox News has previously reported on the growing importance of targeted media networks, though not specifically about this transaction.

EMF’s recent history has been marked by significant leadership challenges. In the last 18 months, two CEOs—Bill Reeves (2019–March 2023) and Todd Woods (March–May 2023)—have departed, along with several top executives. The organization also faced internal legal disputes, including a lawsuit by board chairperson Donna Ecton against other board members.

EMF, though, and its flagship station K-Love, continue phenomenal growth including with this takeover.

“Both ministries have collaborated for nearly 15 years, with EMF already carrying Radio Nueva Vida programming on several of its stations,” the press release noted. The acquisition comes as EMF extends its outreach into the Hispanic community, having already launched Música de Adoración!, a Spanish worship stream with 300,000 hours of stream time.

Under the new deal, EMF will assume all assets and liabilities, with Radio Nueva Vida team members continuing in their current roles. The network is marketed as “Your Station for Christian Radio” and is available across multiple states and parts of Mexico.

The Wall Street Journal has documented ongoing trends of media consolidation, which this acquisition appears to follow. EMF’s financial strength is notable, with revenue growing from $189 million in 2018 to over $238 million in 2022.

The radio industry has been experiencing significant challenges in 2024, with several notable closures impacting Christian broadcasting. Salem Media Group announced the sale of its Christian Music Stations in Nashville and Honolulu, marking a substantial shift in the Christian radio landscape. In North Dakota, Faith Broadcasting shut down its local Christian radio stations after 60 years of operation, leaving KHRT and The Heart 106.9 silent. The Wall Street Journal has previously documented the ongoing consolidation and challenges in the radio industry, noting the financial pressures facing traditional radio networks. The Nashville-based 94 FM The Fish, a long-standing Christian music station, also ceased operations after nearly 22 years, with Educational Media Foundation purchasing the signals for $7 million.

–Metro Voice and Luke.