ATLANTA—Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced that it has closed separate transactions for the acquisitions of KLSR (Fox) and KEVU (My Network TV), two television stations in Eugene Oregon previously owned by California Oregon Broadcasting Inc. (COBI).

“We look forward to combining our rich legacies as we work together to improve lives and elevate our communities,” said Dan York, CEO of CMG. “Both stations have outstanding talent and have been exceptionally managed. They’re well-positioned to increase our competitiveness as we evolve our television footprint, drive revenue, and grow our ratings.”

COBI owned KLSR since 1993.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but TVNewsCheck has reported that the acquisitions totaled $7.2 million. 

“It’s been an honor to work with the dedicated teams at these great stations,” said Patricia C. (Patsy) Smullin, COBI’s President. “I’ll very much miss being part of this region and want to thank both stations for their commitment to their viewers and the community.”

KLSR and KEVU will join CMG’s 31 TV stations group.

“These stations will fit perfectly into our CMG TV portfolio, where our primary focus is serving our communities; informing, entertaining and engaging our audiences; and providing our customers with the best-in-class linear and digital platforms to help grow their businesses,” said Paul Curran, executive vice president of TV for CMG. “I’m thrilled they are part of the CMG family.”

WASHINGTON—Designed to recognize individuals demonstrating leadership, service and commitment to local television in medium and smaller markets, the NAB has announced that the 2019 Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award will be presented to Patsy Smullin during the NAB Small Market Television Exchange.

Smullin is the president and owner of California Oregon Broadcasting Inc., which was originally founded by her father, Bill Smullin, in 1933. COBi is made up of five television stations in Oregon as well as Pilot Rock Productions, a digital video production company. In addition, Smullin has served as president of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters and the Oregon Cable TV Association, and has been on the board of the NAB and NBC TV Affiliate Board. She has also spent time in front of the camera, hosting “Up Close With Patsy Smullin,” which features interviews with influential figures.

“Patsy’s passion for excellence in small market local television is unmatched,” said NAB’s President and CEO Gordon Smith. “She exemplifies the best of broadcasting by running the longest continually-owned and operated, independent broadcast organization in the West, which has served Oregon and Northern California for nearly nine decades. We are pleased to honor her with this well-deserved award.”

Named for the late Dr. Charles E. Sherman, the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award has been handed out since 2003.

Smullin will be honored with the award during the SMTE, which will take place from Sept. 12-14 in Austin, Texas.