Kevin Boyce

By Tobi Oluwa
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Bernard Radio LLC, is officially the new owner of Stop 26-Riverbend, which owns WVKO AM among five other radio stations and assets.
Acquiring the last of the assets in an auction on May 31, 2006 after Percy Squire the former president of Stop 26-Riverbend defaulted on a $12 million loan from DBZ, Bernard Radio LLC, a subsidiary of D.B. Zwirn (DBZ), is attempting to build four new transmission towers. The towers would increase the radio station's signal allowing it to reach a broader audience.
However, the proposed location for the towers, 2708 Morse Road, is not currently zoned for radio towers and submitting a proposal to city council for approval has not accomplished the expected result.
Councilman Kevin Boyce says that the written ordinance submitted by DBZ was too vague and didn't provide enough information.
Boyce said that he would like to hear more about the situation leading to the current status of WVKO and if new owners qualify as predatory lenders, as alleged by Squire.
" These are still issues with me," said Boyce. "We met with the owners and are currently waiting to hear back from them."
Boyce said that he questions the intent of the new owners and their direction.
" WVKO has been an icon in the black community," said Boyce. "Growing up, it was the only station that played black music and until recently when it was taken off the air, it hosted talk shows and discussions on a daily basis. It is unfortunate and disappointing that it is no longer on the air."

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