Smethport’s local radio station WQRM has been acquired by Colonial Radio Group in Mainesburg, operator of WLMI “Hometown Country” 103.9 FM in Kane. The transition will become official when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves the transaction, which can take up to 60 days.

The radio frequencies of WQRM used for simulcast on 106.3 FM in Smethport and 99.3 FM in Bradford will now carry the WLMI program lineup from the station in Kane, offering “trimulcast” coverage throughout McKean and Elk Counties. WQRM station manager Rose Bishop is expected to stay on under the new arrangement.

First coming on the air in 1984 with the call letters WIFI, WLMI was the first FM broadcaster in McKean County. Over the years it has maintained a format that combines full-service news and information with contemporary country music.