Clear Channel buys Radio Equity Partners; $235 million purchase gives it 19 radio stations.

$235 million purchase gives it 19 radio stations

Clear Channel Communications Inc. last week became the nation's largest radio-station owner with its $235 million cash purchase of Radio Equity Partners LP's 19 radio stations.

deal increases Clear Channel's owned-or-operated radio holdings to 92 stations, Clear Channel says, making it the biggest radio-station owner in the country in sheer size. Second (formerly first) is SFX Broadcasting Inc., with 70 stations; Jacor Communications Inc. weighs in at third, with 54 stations.

With Radio Equity Partners' stations, Clear Channel grows its holdings in Oklahoma City, Memphis and New Orleans, giving it four FMs in …