Geneva-area radio listeners will soon hear familiar voices under new ownership as Finger Lakes Radio Group prepares for a major transition.
After more than two decades at the helm, owner Alan Bishop has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the company to Scott Swanson, a digital media entrepreneur and advertising veteran.
The deal includes seven radio stations — WNYR, WLLW, WFLK, WAUB, WGVA, WFLR, and WCGR — along with FLX Digital and FingerLakesDailyNews.com. Together, the outlets serve Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Penn Yan, Auburn, and nearby communities.
Bishop said finding the right long-term steward mattered more than simply completing a sale.
“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.”
Swanson said listeners and advertisers should expect stability as the transition moves forward.
“This is already a strong operation with deep roots in the community,” Swanson said. “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.”
He pointed to radio’s unique ability to connect with local audiences in real time.
“Radio reaches people in real time, through voices they know and trust,” Swanson said. “That trust is hard-earned, and it’s incredibly valuable — especially for local businesses trying to connect with their customers in a meaningful way.”
Swanson said Finger Lakes Radio Group stood out during his review of several potential acquisitions.
“This was the most disciplined and well-run local media operation I encountered,” he said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a direct reflection of Alan’s leadership and commitment to fostering community.”
As part of the transition, Frank Lischak has been promoted to general manager. He will continue overseeing daily 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.”
The acquisition also includes studios, offices, broadcast facilities, and transmission infrastructure serving the Finger Lakes region.
The transaction is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals. Pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission, TOTIB Media will operate the stations under a time brokerage agreement beginning January 1, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Swanson has experience across broadcast, digital media, and marketing, working with both national and local businesses. He has held leadership roles in media and technology companies and served as a U.S. Navy submarine sonar technician.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].