GENEVA — After more than two decades, the Geneva–based Finger Lakes Radio Group has a new owner. Alan Bishop, who owned the company for more than 23 years, has agreed to transfer ownership of the company to Scott Swanson, a fellow entrepreneur and digital media veteran. “The deal puts the Finger Lakes region’s most respected […]
GENEVA — After more than two decades, the Geneva–based Finger Lakes Radio Group has a new owner.
Alan Bishop, who owned the company for more than 23 years, has agreed to transfer ownership of the company to Scott Swanson, a fellow entrepreneur and digital media veteran.
“The deal puts the Finger Lakes region’s most respected broadcast operations under the control of a veteran digital media veteran with a passion and track record of helping small businesses succeed through media and advertising,” per the Dec. 19 announcement.
The transaction includes seven radio stations — WNYR, WLLW, WFLK, WAUB, WGVA, WFLR, and WCGR — along with FLX Digital and FingerLakesDailyNews.com. Together, they serve the communities of Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Penn Yan, Auburn, and surrounding areas.
The acquisition includes the group’s studios, offices, and broadcast facilities, along with the transmission infrastructure that enables reliable coverage across the Finger Lakes region.
The transaction is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals. Pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission, TOTIB Media was set to operate the stations under a time brokerage agreement beginning Jan. 1. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The decision to sell was “guided by a desire to find the right long-term steward” for the stations, their employees, and the communities they serve, Bishop said.
“This company has always been about local connection and local trust,” Bishop said. “Scott understands the role these stations play in people’s daily lives, and he understands what it takes to operate a strong local media business. I’m confident this is the right next chapter.”
Incoming operator Scott Swanson “emphasized continuity, not change, as the defining principle of the transition.”
“This is already a strong operation with deep roots in the community,” Swanson said in the announcement. “My job isn’t to reinvent it — it’s to support the people who make it work, protect what makes it special, and help ensure it remains strong for decades to come.”
As part of the transition, Frank Lischak has been promoted to general manager and will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, including sales, programming, and community engagement.
“The stations will continue to be run by the same team, with the same local focus,” Swanson said. “That’s essential.”
