VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS : VENTURA COUNTY DIGEST / BARBARA MURPHY : Salem Communications to Operate 3 More Stations

Salem Communications Corp. in Camarillo has entered into agreements to operate three additional radio stations with the proceeds of its $140-million initial public offering completed June 30.

President and Chief Executive Edward G. Atsinger III said the company anticipates more acquisitions by the end of the year.

Salem owns 46 radio stations, including 34 that broadcast to 19 of the top 25 markets.

WNIV-AM and WLTA-AM in Atlanta, the nation’s 12th largest media market, are being acquired from Genesis Communications I for $8 million. Operating rights for KCBQ-AM in San Diego, the 16th largest media market, are being acquired under an agreement that allows Salem the right to purchase the station from the Concord Media Group of California for $5 million.

Salem Communications, besides operating the 46 radio stations, also owns Salem Radio Network, which syndicates talk, music and news programming focused on religious and family issues; OnePlace.com, which provides Internet sites and products; and CCM Communications, which publishes magazines targeting the Christian music industry and church staff.